A Royal Hobart Hospital surgeon is urging Tasmanian women to prioritize regular breast screenings, emphasizing that early detection can elevate survival rates to as high as 99%. Dr. Gausihi Sivarajah, a general surgeon specializing in breast surgery, highlighted that screening remains the most effective method to identify cancer before symptoms emerge.
“Regular screening is the most effective way for early detection of breast cancer because it’s identifying the disease before the symptoms actually appear,” Dr. Sivarajah stated. “It increases the chance of survival and also enables women to access a wider range of treatment options which are less invasive and more effective.”
The Importance of Early Detection
Dr. Sivarajah, who treats a range of conditions from benign breast issues to cancer and serves as clinical director at BreastScreen Tasmania, underscored the undeniable power of early detection. The statistics are compelling: the overall five-year survival rate for breast cancer in Australia is approximately 91%.
“But when we look at those who are diagnosed early or stage one, that five-year survival rate rises to 99%,” she noted.
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, trailing only lung cancer. This reality underscores the critical need for regular screenings and early intervention.
A Personal and Professional Commitment
Dr. Sivarajah’s dedication to breast health is deeply personal. Several of her close friends have faced breast cancer diagnoses, a fact that has profoundly influenced her approach to patient care.
“Seeing what they went through reinforced in me how important patient-centred care is,” she shared.
Advancements in treatment options have significantly improved outcomes for women, providing more choices and better results. “Being able to offer those expanded surgical options for women, especially those facing breast cancer, made the field a lot more compelling for me,” Dr. Sivarajah explained.
Modern Treatment and Diagnosis
Diagnosis of breast cancer typically involves a combination of methods, including physical examinations, mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies. Treatment plans are highly individualized and may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or immunotherapy.
Dr. Sivarajah is committed to promoting breast health awareness and improving patient outcomes. “I’m really committed to promoting breast health awareness,” she affirmed. “I really want to strive to improve outcomes for individuals.”
Looking Forward
The call for regular screenings comes at a time when healthcare systems worldwide are emphasizing preventive care. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the overall burden on healthcare systems by allowing for less invasive and more cost-effective treatments.
As research continues to advance and new technologies emerge, the hope is that survival rates will continue to improve. Dr. Sivarajah’s advocacy highlights the ongoing need for awareness and education, ensuring that women have access to the best possible care and outcomes.
