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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

Where go to do them in Australia?

You can ask a GP for a breast examination

FAQ image

What if I am rural?

Your GP, the visiting women's health nurse.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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.

FAQ image

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

FAQ image

Women's Wellness Hub Directory

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors and ambassadors

More Support Needed

Medically Induced Menopause

November 29, 20243 min read

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


menopauseperimenopausemenopause supportmedically induced menopausemenopause symptoms
Back to Blog

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

© Family Counselling Support Network 2024 | Website Design by Fancy Freedom .