Adjusting rates to take into account how many old or young people are in the population being studied. When rates are age standardised, differences in the rates over time or between geographical areas do not simply reflect variations in the age distribution of the populations. This is important when looking at cancer because it is a disease that predominantly affects the elderly. So if cancer rates are not age standardised, a higher rate in one country is likely to reflect the fact that it has a greater proportion of older people.

Treatment given after the primary treatment to increase the chances of a cure. In cancer, adjuvant treatment often refers to chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or radiotherapy after surgery, which is aimed at killing any remaining cancer cells.

A cancer that starts in the cells of glands.

Pain that is severe but lasts a short time.

Public recognition of achievement by a health care organisation, of requirements of national health care standards (Australian Commission on Safety and Quality).

This handbook has been written to help health professionals support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with breast cancer. Increasing the understanding of breast cancer may help to encourage earlier investigation of symptoms, and contribute to the quality of life of people living with breast cancer.

This handbook has been written for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, Health Practitioners and Aboriginal Liaison Officers involved in the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with breast cancer in community and clinical settings.

Australian Bureau of Statistics

A test to look for cancer in the bowel. A white chalky liquid is put into your rectum and x-rays are taken.

The part of the body that includes the stomach (belly), intestine, liver, bladder, kidneys and other organs and lymph nodes. The abdomen is located between the ribs and hips.