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
Avoiding Common Family Law Mistakes
Going through a Separation can be one of the most harrowing experiences in your life. You can experience grief, overwhelm, and confusion. Here are five common mistakes made by people, especially in the earlier stages of separation and divorce, which can cause them to come unstuck in the process:
1. Oversharing on Social Media
It might feel natural to vent online, but social media can be a legal landmine during family disputes. Posts, comments, or photos can be used against you in court and may even breach the Family Law Act, resulting in fines or more serious consequences. Sharing details about your case online could harm your credibility or influence property and parenting decisions. When in doubt, stay offline!
2. Delaying Getting Support and Advice
Too often, people wait until things escalate before getting advice to help them get emotionally supported, to be educated on the process, understand their rights, to make informed decisions, to prevent them from unintentionally inflaming negotiations. Remember, there is no automatic 50/50 split in parenting or property matters. Avoid being pressured into unfair agreements and avoid reliance on well-meaning but uninformed advice from friends or family.
3. Avoiding Full Financial Disclosure
Financial transparency is non-negotiable in family law property matters. If one party withholds financial information, it can jeopardise the fairness of the property settlement and lead to serious legal consequences, including potential imprisonment.
4. Ignoring Your Own Well-Being
The stress of legal matters is often compounded by emotional burnout. The impact can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health. Seeking support from our team of counsellors, separation coaches or support groups isn’t just good for your health—it can help your legal case, too. A clear head will help you make better decisions for your future and enable you to continue supporting your children through this difficult time.
5. Relying on Informal Agreements
Verbal or informal (non binding) agreements may seem convenient but can unravel quickly —especially if one party's financial circumstances change. To protect yourself long-term, ensure all agreements are formalised through Court Orders or Financial Agreements. This is particularly important in parenting arrangements, where informal arrangements can lead to disputes or even child access issues. Formal agreements, such as a parenting plan or Consent Orders provide clarity and protect both parents and children.
Family law doesn’t just affect the present—it shapes your future. By avoiding these common mistakes, you protect your rights, your children, and your peace of mind. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance early—it could save you time, money, and heartache down the line.
Make an online appointment today with us or purchase our number 1 best selling resources, The Ultimate Divorce Planner, to help you avoid these pitfalls. www.separationsupportnetwork.com
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