Breast cancer. Your breasts deserve the best(s).
Boobs. Melons. The twins. There are hundreds of nicknames for breasts. When there’s a breast cancer diagnosis, the light-hearted nicknames disappear. Scientific terms arise. In this trying time, we’ll be your bosom buddy.
Looking for how to help someone with breast cancer? At HealthMatch, we’re bringing forward tomorrow’s treatments. We have trials available for breast cancer, including ones aimed at triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Find a breast cancer clinical trial today.
Explore clinical trials for breast cancer
Browse 100+ other trials on HealthMatch
Create an account and start answering some questions to see what trials match your profile.
53
people will be diagnosed with breast cancer every day ¹
2nd most
commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia is breast cancer ²
1 in 7
women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by 85 ³
Why clinical trials?
Clinical trials are vital for researchers and physicians to advance modern medicine and improve the quality of life for future patients. All the drugs and medical equipment we use today are available because patients participated in clinical trials.
How do I apply for a trial?
Our platform helps you find the right match by showing you only trials you’re eligible for and simplifying the jargon. You’re then able to view matches and apply for trials in an easy-to-use dashboard. Once you’ve been accepted, we’ll put you in direct contract with the trial group.
If you don’t match with a clinical trial today, we won’t stop searching until we find the right match for you.
About HealthMatch
HealthMatch is an organisation driven by a mission to accelerate medical research allowing for faster and more efficient access to life-changing medication.
Our community consists of a diverse team of doctors, engineers, scientists, and people dedicated to challenging the status quo of medical research.
We are united by a passion to deliver better healthcare options, for all, regardless of location, background or means. This means access to trials and the revolutionary treatments that come from them.
FAQ
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when there is abnormal cell growth in the lining of the breast lobules (milk-producing glands) or in the breast ducts (passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple). These abnormal cells can also grow in the fatty and fibrous tissue of the breast.
There are different types and subtypes of the disease.
Types include non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive is where the cancer is contained within the milk ducts of the breast lobules. Invasive is where the cancer has spread outside the ducts or lobules of the breast, into surrounding breast tissue.
Breast cancer cells may express hormone markers, which can further characterize the type of breast cancer a person may experience.
Hormone receptor-positive breast cancer is where the cancer cells need hormones – estrogen or progesterone – to grow. Two-thirds of breast cancers fall into this subtype.
HER-2 positive breast cancer is where the cancer cells have too much of a specific protein – human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This particular protein promotes the growth of cancer cells.
Triple-negative breast cancer has none of the three receptors – estrogen, progesterone and HER2. Around 15% of breast cancers fall into this subtype.
Only 5-10% of all breast cancers are the result of a strong family history. These are from inherited gene mutations, including BRCA1; BRCA2; TP53; PTEN, and CHEK2.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Some people may not experience any symptoms. This is why self-examinations, mammograms, and physical examinations by health professionals are so important.
For those that do experience symptoms, they may include new lumps in the breast or under the arm; nipples sores; nipple discharge; changes in size or shape of the breast; dimpling in the skin of the breast; rashes or red swollen breasts.
How do you treat breast cancer?
Treatment depends on the extent of the cancer. Breast cancer treatments include surgery; chemotherapy; radiation therapy; hormone therapy, and palliative care.
Is there a cure for breast cancer?
The five-year survival rate for breast cancer is 90.8%. The ten-year survival rate is 83%.
1 Breast Cancer Network Australia, Current breast cancer statistics in Australia (PDF)
2,3 Australian Government Cancer Australia, Breast cancer in Australia statistics