BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
Breast cancer awareness month provides an occasion for us all to focus on breast cancer and its impact.
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia and the second most common cause of cancer-related death among Australian women. Being breast aware is recommended for women of all ages so that you can identify any unusual changes throughout life. Although a breast cancer diagnosis can occur in women of all ages, the risk increases as we get older.
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Many women experience pain in the breasts, breast lumps, cysts and mastitis. Knowing what is normal for you personally, how to conduct a breast check and when to see your doctor about changes to your breasts is important. This is an important habit to do regularly so that breast cancer can be detected early, which increases the number of treatment options available for you and your chance of survival.
When regularly examining your breasts, no special technique is required, just ensure you look at and feel all parts of your breasts, your armpits and up your collarbone. Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel throughout everyday activities such as showering, getting dressed, using body lotion, and before your menstrual cycle, during and after your menstrual cycle has finished.
WHAT YOU NEED TO LOOK OUT FOR WHEN YOU ARE BEING BREAST AWARE
Symptoms of breast cancer include
- A lump or thickening in the breast, especially if it is only in one breast
- Changes to the shape or size of the breast
- Changes to the shape of the nipple, such as crusting, sores or ulcers, redness, or inversion (a nipple that turns in when it used to point out)
- Changes to the skin of the breast, such as dimpling, a rash, scaly appearance, or other colour changes
- Fluid leaking or unprompted discharge from the nipple
- Persistent, unusual pain that doesn’t go away that is not due to menstruation
- Swelling or discomfort in the armpit
If you have noticed these changes or any abnormal changes that are not listed above, book an appointment with a GP immediately. Call (07) 5575 2444 or book online for an appointment with a GP at Mermaid Central Medical Clinic.
If you are due for a mammogram (breast screen), or if you have never had one, BreastScreen Queensland has over 260 locations, including clinics at Burleigh Waters, Helensvale, Robina, Southport, and a mobile van. BreastScreen Queensland has after-hours options available.
A mammogram is recommended every two years for women 50 to 74 years. BreastScreen Queensland offers free breast screening for women aged 40 and older who haven’t noticed any changes to their breasts. Breast screening is most effective for women aged 50 to 74.
Visit breastscreen.qld.gov.au to find out if breast screening is right for you or learn more about having a breast screen. If you’re due for a breast screen, book online today at your preferred BreastScreen Queensland clinic or call 13 20 50.
* This is not medical advice and should not be taken as such. Please see your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Call Mermaid Central Medical Clinic on (07) 5575 2444 or book online to make an appointment.
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