Saving Sight After Breast Cancer: Early Imaging to Prevent Eye Disease
Too many younger Australian women are being diagnosed with breast cancer at a time when they should be shaping their futures, not fighting for their lives. While survival rates have improved significantly, many women live with overlooked side effects of treatment, including impacts on vision that remain poorly understood. Our research is tackling this hidden gap ensuring that longer survival also means better quality of life, by protecting eye health and wellbeing for breast cancer survivors.
One particularly vulnerable area is the choroid, a layer at the back of the eye with a very rich blood supply. Because cancer cells travel through the bloodstream, this makes the choroid a common place for them to settle and form new growths.
When cancer cells invade this area, they can disturb the normal structure of the retina, causing fluid to build up and, in severe cases, leading to retinal detachment. This can result in permanent vision loss or blindness if not treated promptly.
Despite the seriousness of these complications, detailed eye examinations are not routinely included in breast cancer follow-up care. As a result, vision problems may go undetected until significant damage has occurred.
Why This Research Matters
As more people live longer with breast cancer and receive ongoing treatment, the chances of developing eye-related complications are also increasing.
Early recognition and monitoring are essential to:
- Protect vision
- Improve long-term quality of life
This research project aims to fill a critical gap in cancer care by generating the evidence needed to advocate for routine eye checks in breast cancer management.
A central focus of the study is:
- Understanding why the choroid is particularly susceptible to metastatic disease
- Identifying the early signs that may signal eye involvement
By improving early detection, this project aims to prevent avoidable vision loss and ensure that patients receive timely, sight-saving care.
Lead Investigator: Dr Jaya Sowjanya Siddireddy
How You Can Help
Your support can help advance this overlooked yet vital area of cancer research.
By donating to this work, you are helping to:
- Protect vision
- Improve quality of life
- Shape future clinical guidelines that ensure people living with and beyond breast cancer receive comprehensive care
UC acknowledges the Ngunnawal people, traditional custodians of the lands where Bruce campus is situated. We wish to acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of Canberra and the region. We also acknowledge all other First Nations Peoples on whose lands we gather.