Breast Checks: Breast Cancer Support and After Care
Welcome to the
Women’s Wellness Hub
Topics on this Page:
Why check my own breasts?
How often should I do a breast check myself?
Is it ok just to get Dr to do a breast check?
Where go to do them in Australia?
What if I am rural?
What to expect when go to get check?
This web page is designed to be informative and educational. It is not intended to provide specific medical advice or replace advice from your health practitioner.
All about Breast Checks
Why check my own breasts?
Early detection of breast cancer saves lives. Knowing the look and feel of your own
breasts through regular self-checks helps you to detect any changes. Not all
changes will be cancerous but be vigilant and see your GP for advice if you are
concerned.
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How often should I do a breast check myself?
Monthly is good but sometimes it can be as simple as seeing something on the tele
that reminds you or hearing a conversation and you realise you haven’t checked
your breasts for a while. Maybe a friend has just been diagnosed. Use reminders on
your phone if you would like.
Is it ok just to get Dr to do a breast check?
The best way to early detection is really to know the look and feel of your own
breasts. Your Dr may never offer a breast check so really it is up to the individual to
know what is normal for them.
Where go to do them in Australia?
You can ask a GP for a breast examination
What if I am rural?
Your GP, the visiting women's health nurse.
What to expect when go to get check?
You will be asked to remove your clothing from the waist up, including your bra. In a
sitting position you will raise your arms above your head and then possibly be asked
to place your hands on your hips. The GP will be looking for anything that looks
unusual in the shape, size, colour of the breast or nipple.
The GP may then ask you to place your hand on their shoulder and they might feel
under your arm on both sides. This is when they are feeling for your lymph nodes.
You may then be asked to lie down and they may place some gentle pressure on the
breast and feel the tissue.
Some clinicians will feel this in a clockwise pattern and others will sweep the breast.
This may also be done when you are sitting up. Each person that examines a breast
has their own way of examining but this should be done in a private area where the
patient feels comfortable.
You will be asked questions about your breasts at this time as the Drs or nurses are
not familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and may ask if certain features are
"normal" for you. For example, some women have nipple retraction and have had it
all their lives. If this is normal for them a clinician would not be concerned about this,
however if this is a change to one nipple over the past month this would warrant
further investigation.
What if I find a lump?
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Should I keep notes or photos of changes?
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When Should I askfor a mammogram?
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When do I need to have a mammogram?
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Will is the procedure going into have a mammogram?
-appointment with nurse
- led into the room for check
- machine involved
- imagery
- how quickly get an answer
- what if asked back?
- what is a biopsy and why?
- what will happen after biopsy
- what happens if they detect cancer
-how do I get a gene checkto see if I have the breastcancer gene? etc
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Birthing trauma can have major long term consequences on wellness
Last week, Family Counselling Support Network honoured Birth Trauma Awareness Week (July 17-21).
Australian and international research suggests that up to 1 in 3 women identify their birth experience as traumatic (Heyne et al, 2022). Birth trauma happens when women experience events during birth that lead to emotional and psychological overwhelm. These overwhelming experiences can lead to immediate and long-term negative effects on her health and wellbeing (Leinweiber et al, 2022).
Unexpected medical interventions (for example induction, epidural, or an emergency Caesarian section), premature delivery, prolonged and painful labour, miscarriage or stillbirth or other medical complications are experiences that increase the risk of birth-related trauma.
If you have experienced a traumatic birth, you may have felt afraid, helpless or unsupported by those around you during birth. After the birth, you may have been left feeling guilty or numb due to events beyond your control. You could even suffer from panic attacks. If this happens you need to know you are not alone!
We also know that there is often a strong correlation between birth trauma and the likelihood of new mums experiencing some level of postpartum depression or anxiety. Postpartum depression (also called PPD) is a medical condition that many women get after having a baby. It’s characterised by strong feelings of sadness, depressed mood, loss of interest, anxiety (worry), difficulties with concentration, changes in appetite and sleep, suicidal ideation, and tiredness that lasts for a long time after giving birth. It can make it hard for you to take care of yourself and the baby.
A mother experiencing birth trauma and postpartum depression may feel neglected, confused, scared, resentful, unsupported, burdened or exhausted. These feelings can lead to ongoing struggles that complicate being a new parent.
If you are experiencing difficulties pre and/or post-birth, we want to know help is available and we are here for you. You don’t need to suffer alone. We are here for you.
Psychologist, Louisa Mason, has experience working with new mothers with low mood, those who need to process their birth experiences, or who are experiencing anxiety.
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