Breast Cancer Australia

FAQs

When should I get checked for breast cancer?

From the age of 50 a mammogram is recommended every 1-2 years. However, if there is a family history or there are changes in your breasts please see your general practitioner for advice on getting checked earlier.

What is a mammogram?

A mammogram is an X-ray test of the breasts (mammary glands) used to screen for breast problems, such as a lump, and whether a lump is fluid-filled (a cyst) or a solid mass.

How is a screening mammogram taken?

A radiographer will position and compress each breast in turn between two flat plates for about 10-15 seconds while the X-ray is being taken. There is no evidence that mammograms will harm the breasts.

What is BreastScreen Australia?

BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program. It provides free screening mammograms at two-yearly intervals for women aged 50-69 with the aim of reducing deaths from breast cancer in this target group, through early detection of the disease. Women aged 40-49 and 70 years and older, who have no breast cancer symptoms or signs, are also eligible for free screening mammograms

What is a Mastectomy?

A mastectomy involves the complete removal of a breast affected by cancer through surgery. A different type of surgery may be conducted if breast reconstruction is part of the consideration following surgery. After the mastectomy the surgeon may also remove one or more lymph nodes from the armpit, to test whether the breast cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.

What is breast conserving surgery?

Breast conserving surgery involves the removal of a breast cancer and a small area of healthy tissue around it. This procedure is also commonly known as a lumpectomy, wide local excision or complete local excision. Breast conserving surgery with radiation therapy is used with great effectiveness for most women diagnosed with early breast cancer.

What are complementary therapies?

Complementary therapies are those used alongside medical treatments such as after Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy. A number have shown to be beneficial and improve the quality of life and reduce pain. Unfortunately, each person may react differently to the diverse types available. They have not been proven to cure or prevent cancer and some types may even have adverse side effects or negate medical treatments. It is important to consult with your medical staff before making a decision to use complementary therapies.

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy is the term used for any treatment involving the use of chemical anti-cancer drugs to stop cancer cells from growing. In most treatments a number of drugs may be given at the same time. Chemotherapy can eliminate cancer cells at sites great distances from the original cancer.

Chemotherapy may be used before or after surgery or radiation therapy or together with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can be administered through a vein, injected into a body cavity, or orally (mouth) in the form of a pill. Chemotherapy can be given for a few days or a few weeks, for a period of months or a long term basis depending on the nature of diagnosis and the personÕs ability to respond to treatment.

In most circumstances chemotherapy should not cause any discomfort, however some medications can cause a burning sensation in the veins. It is important to keep in immediate contact with the chemotherapy staff if there is any pain, burning, redness or tenderness in the body or over the injection site.

Chemotherapy is given to cure cancer, reduce the chance of cancer returning or to shrink a cancer prior to primary treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy. If a cure is not possible, it can also be used to shrink cancer to reduce the symptoms and ultimately prolong the quality of life.

Chemotherapy can cause a number of different side effects which are often temporary and can usually be treated by other medications. These include; fatigue, nausea, vomiting, hair loss, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores or ulcers, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, increased risk of infection, increased risk of bruising, dry or tired eyes, skin sensitivity to sunlight.

Chemotherapy may include time away from family and friends, uncomfortable side effects or long-term complications. Chemotherapy may be inconvenient, prolonged, or unavailable close to home. These are important considerations when evaluating treatment options.

Breast Cancer Australia provides private and dignified Patient Accommodation for persons living outside 100km from the metropolitan hospital they must travel to.

What is Radiation therapy?

Radiation therapy, also commonly known as radiotherapy, uses x-rays to destroy or injure cancer cells so they cannot multiply. Radiation therapy can be used to treat the primary cancer or advanced cancer. It may be the only treatment used or in combination with chemotherapy and/or surgery.

Radiation therapy is used to cure, maintain the cancer or bring relief of the symptoms.

Radiation therapy is given by a radiation oncologist who is a specialist treating cancer with radiation therapy. The oncologist will supervise the treatment via radiation therapy machines operated by a trained therapist.

Radiation therapy is given internally (bracytherapy) or externally (beam). In internal radiation therapy, thin tubes are filled with radioactive material and placed in your body or close to the cancer. In external radiation therapy, radiation is directed by a machine towards the cancer and surrounding tissue.

External radiation therapy can last anywhere from one day to five days a week for a number of weeks. In most circumstances external radiation therapy will not hurt, you will only here a buzzing sound when the machine is on. You will not become radioactive.

Internal radiation therapy can last anywhere from a number of minutes, one to five days or permanently. In most circumstances internal radiation therapy you will not feel ill or have any major pain, just mild discomfort from the implant. It may send radiation outside your body and there will be limits to visits during this therapy.

Radiation therapy can cause a number of different side effects which are often temporary and can gradually disappear once treatment has been completed. These include; fatigue, nausea, dry red or itchy skin, digestive problems, dry or sore throat or mouth, swelling, coughing or shortness of breath.

Radiation therapy may include time away from family and friends, uncomfortable side effects or long-term complications. Radiation therapy may be inconvenient, prolonged, or unavailable close to home. These are important considerations when evaluating treatment options.