BREAST CANCER
A feel a day keeps the doctor away
WHAT IS IT?
14,465 women and 103 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia in 2011. Out of them 2795 women and 24 men died.
The risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer by age 85 is 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 917 for men.
WHERE TO CHECK YOURSELF
- In the shower - Check all over your breast and in the skin surrounding. Use the pads of your fingers and move them around feeling for any change.
- In front of a mirror - In front of a mirror you are able to see any change in our breasts. Look for any dimpling, puckering, or changes, particularly on one side.
- Lying down - When lying down the breast tissue spreads out, this gives a better situation to check for ant changes. se your hand to feel around the breast and the armpit
AFTER DIAGNOSIS
- Lumpectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Hormone treatment
SERVICES
- Counselling and support - Cancer Council Helpline. Provides information about cancer related issues: 13 11 20
Counselling and Support for Young People - Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800, www.kidshelp.com.au
Breast Prostheses and Mastectomy Garments - BreastCare WA, Specialists in After Surgery Fittings of Breast Prostheses, Surgical Garments, Lingerie and Swimwear. Also FREE Home/Hospital visits: 1300 791 137, www.breastcarewa.com.au
Exercise during and after treatment - Encore is an after breast cancer gentle exercise program.It is an 8 week program designed specifically for women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their life. It includes gentle exercises, relaxation techniques, information and support. The exercise program id specifically designed to target areas that have been affected by breast cancer surgery and treatment. (08) 9440 3501, www.ywcaencore.org.au
Wigs and Accessories - Curly Sue’s Wigs & Hairpieces, specialising in medically indicated wigs, turbans, scarves, hats and accessories: (08) 9276 7359
Bibliography
- Australia, C. (2015). Breast cancer - Cancer Council Australia. [online] Cancer.org.au. Available at: http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer.html [Accessed 10 Jun. 2015].
- Breastcancer.org.au, (2015). Useful services. [online] Available at: http://www.breastcancer.org.au/our-services/how-we-can-help/useful-information-and-links/useful-services.aspx [Accessed 10 Jun. 2015].
- Australia, C. (2015). After a diagnosis of breast cancer - Cancer Council Australia. [online] Cancer.org.au. Available at: http://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/after-a-diagnosis/after-a-diagnosis-of-breast-cancer.html [Accessed 10 Jun. 2015].