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Breast care aware

How to do a self examination 

 

While checking your breasts, you should be looking out for lumps, feeling for any new pain, changes in your nipples or any tethering of the skin. Though it’s important to remember, if you have any concerns about any changes, please make an appointment with your general practitioner.

 

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An important message with Dr Ben Lancashire

1. Be breast aware

Check your breasts with a self-examination each month and see your GP immediately if you notice any new symptoms.

2. Get screened regularly

Make (and keep) appointments when you’re due for breast screening. Women should commence screening at 40 years of age and repeat every 2 years. BreastScreen Australia offer free screening mammograms for asymptomatic women over 40 years of age.

3. Understand your risk

Know which breast cancer risk factors apply to you and take steps to target these where possible. Although some risk factors cannot be modified (e.g. personal or family history of breast cancer), many can (e.g. physical inactivity, excess weight, and alcohol consumption).

How important is early detection and why?

The earlier a breast cancer is detected and treated, the less chance there is for it to spread. An early diagnosis can mean:

  • less extensive treatment(s)
  • better health outcomes

What’s the impact of community and connection for women who find themselves on this journey?

A diagnosis of breast cancer can feel daunting, overwhelming, and isolating. Support networks between patients, relatives and practitioners offer valuable opportunities to share experience and knowledge as well as moral and practical support. Mater Chicks in Pink demonstrate Queensland’s large and genuine community of care for women on this journey.