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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Medically Induced Menopause
There is a dire need in Australia to find more effective ways to support women experiencing medically induced menopause due to cancer treatments, preventative surgeries or other medically required procedures or medication, which can induce menopause. Often, this challenge presents itself when women are working and caring for their family( including parents). If not appropriately supported, this results in serious physical, emotional and mental health issues.
Inherited Cancers Australia's recent report revealed more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents who had undergone tube or ovary removal for cancer treatment or risk reduction had not accessed a menopause specialist, with many unaware that such support was even available.
Medically induced menopause can be caused by:
Surgical removal of the ovaries (known as oophorectomy)
Chemotherapy
Radiation therapy to the pelvic area
Medical menopause where hormone production is shut down with medicine, such as Lupron or Zoladex.
Removal of the uterus (hysterectomy)may speed up the decline of the ovaries leading to menopause.
Common symptoms include hot flushes (day and night) painful sexual intercourse, brain fog, mood changes (including irritability), and urine symptoms. Women are at increased long-term health risks, such as osteoporosis and cardio/cerebrovascular disease ie heart attacks and strokes.
Menopause support
We have a team of menopause coaches working with us, who can help to provide you with the guidance you need to get through this challenging time - Dr Sharmila Kumar, Claire Kelly and Katie Young. They can assist you with one-on-one consultations in person or via Zoom. They all champion healthy lifestyle choices in the Peri/menopause transition which when personalised (with knowledge) and actioned is the best way to age healthily. Don't we all want that !
About Sharmila
Sharmila is the director of Menopause, My Way. Her approach to peri/menopause is holistic, including nonhormonal ( lifestyle) and hormonal methods of management.
Dr Kumar is an AMS doctor (Australasian Menopause Doctor) and licensed Champion of Menopause Experts Group (UK). One of her passions is to increase community awareness of peri/menopause.
To Book: Dr Sharmila Kumar is available for menopause consultations at Waitara Family Medical Practice, 1/75-77 Pacific Highway, Waitara NSW, 2077. Please book online or by ringing (02)80381070.Consultations can be either face to face or via telehealth.
email :[email protected] and follow her on FB: Menopause, My Way
About Claire
Claire is a very well regarded and highly skilled nurse consultant, educator, and health and wellness coach, specialising in oncology/cancer and peri/menopause wellness. She has an extensive background in practice, education and training, program development and care coordination - working with women, workplaces and health professionals to support them with their unique menopause, cancer and midlife health needs.
Claire also works as a menopause trainer for various organisations including Corporate Wellness Solutions.
To arrange a booking please refer to: www.middlehealth.com.au
About Katie
Katie is a certified menopause support coach and founder of The Mid Shift, who can be booked for face to face or online coaching support. With a background in psychology, mental health, pharmaceuticals and crisis support, Katie offers specialised one-on-one, or small group support for her clients to assist with their holistic wellness during their midlife.
To arrange a booking please refer to:www.midshift.com
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