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.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-503117005-579a41623df78c32762d03a1.jpg)
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?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
Should I keep notes or photos of changes?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
When Should I askfor a mammogram?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
When do I need to have a mammogram?
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Autem dolore, alias, numquam enim ab voluptate id quam harum ducimus cupiditate similique quisquam et deserunt, recusandae.
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
Women's Wellness Hub Directory
Peri Menopause & Menopause
WWW-Women's Wellness Warrior Events Retreats
Join our FREE
Konnect online bookclub
Separation and Co-parenting assist
Join our Podcast Series
"Keeping it Real with Susan and Friends"
Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and ambassadors
Post Separation Abuse
In many cases of post separation abuse, victims report there had been very few signs, if any, of abusive behaviour and/or coercive control throughout the relationship until the decision was made to separate. This is particularly true when the victim was the one who elected to leave.
Making the decision to separate or divorce is extremely difficult, especially if children are involved, but the emotional and physical consequences of then having to face post separation abuse can be highly traumatic. The abuse is often largely about coercive control, financial abuse, IT abuse and other methods used to assert power over the victim and their family. It is not uncommon for an ex to disregard the children’s needs such as missing important school deadlines, homework or social commitments simply to cause grief and psychological pressure for the other parent.
Often victims report feeling:
- Traumatised to make a decision.
- Mistrusting and insecure of themselves and others around them.
- Questioning their decision and sanity.
- Heartbroken and scared for their children with whom they share with their ex.
- Fearful of how far their former partner will go and their next move.
- Overwhelmed by negativity and unable to see the good in the things.
- Disbelieved by many about the behaviour of the abuser.
- Emotionally and financially confused and depleted.
- Stressed, anxious and often depressed.
When looking at child contact, the safety of the children should always be the primary concern. Keep in mind that when looking at the risk that a perpetrator poses to their victim, past behaviour is the most reliable indicator of future behaviour. When considering the risk of post-separation abuse, particular care should be taken where perpetrators have a history of coercive controlling behaviour.
If you are concerned that you are experiencing post separation abuse, please reach out to one of our professional counsellors or coaches who understand the nature of this abuse and can assist you with strategies to manage dealing with high conflict and/or abusive relationships.
This site is brought to you by Family Counselling Support Network
Book in directly with one of our professionals today
We are here to help
We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This website uses cookies to analyze website traffic and optimise your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.
DISCLAIMER: The material contained on this website is for general educational and information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal, financial, medical or psychological advice or care. While every care has been taken in the information provided, no legal responsibility or liability is accepted, warranted or implied by the authors or Family Counselling Support Network and any liability is hereby expressly disclaimed. For specific advice please contact us at [email protected]. All information contained on the website remains the intellectual property of Family Counselling Support Network and is for your personal educational use only. The information must not be reproduced or distributed without the express permission of Family Counselling Support Network.
Family Counselling Support Network acknowledges and respects the First Nations Custodians of the land where our offices stand, and where we work to help Australians. We pay respects to their Elders, past present and emerging, lore, customs and creation spirits. We recognise that these lands have always been places of ceremony, teaching, research and learning, and we acknowledge the important role Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples play in our community.
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible environment where people and communities of all identities and backgrounds are accepted, safe and celebrated.
Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions