About Breast Cancer
Being Breast Aware
Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of successful treatment and ultimately, survival. At the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA Inc we seek to spread the message that Early Detection Saves Lives.
We engage in awareness raising and educational activities to increase our community’s knowledge about being breast aware. Being breast aware is part of general body awareness and learning how your breasts look and feel. It is important to know what is normal for you because everyone is different and as you go through the different stages of your life, your breasts are continually changing.
Breast Changes
If you notice any of these changes see your GP straight away;
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A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast tissue.
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Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering or redness.
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Nipple changes such as an unusual discharge, the nipple pointing in rather than out (unless it has always been this way) or an itchy/ulcerated area.
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A part of the breast that feels different from the rest of the breast.
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A new and persistent pain.
Breast Awareness at a glance
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Find time to check your breasts regularly.
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Look at your breasts in the mirror at the size and shape.
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Feel your breasts in the bath or shower, lying down or when getting dressed.
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Feel the entire breast tissue from your collarbone to below your bra line and into the underarm.
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Feel near the surface and then deeper using the flat part of your fingers.
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If you notice any changes, see your doctor immediately.
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If you’re over 40, have a free screening mammogram every two years.
Breast Cancer Screening
It is important for all women aged 40 and over to have a free screening mammogram every two years. Having a mammogram can save your life.
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A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.
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Mammograms detect up to 90% of breast cancers.
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Mammograms can detect a lump as small as a grain of rice.
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BreastScreen WA offer free screening mammograms to anyone aged 40 and over. Clinics are available in locations around the Perth metropolitan area. For women living in rural and remote areas the BreastScreen WA mobile unit visits regional towns every two years.
To make an appointment for a free mammogram call BreastScreen WA on 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au. For more information about breast cancer screening call 9323 6799 or 1800 800 033.
Breast Cancer Screening for Younger Women
There is no evidence that regular screening by mammography for women under 40 is beneficial, but all women, should be breast aware and see their doctor without delay if any changes are noticed.
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Whilst women aged from 50 to 69 are the target group for regular mammograms, women aged 40–49 years are eligible for free two-yearly screening mammograms through the BreastScreen Australia Program.
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Mammographic screening is not recommended for women younger than 40 years of age as their breast tissue is too dense to detect breast changes accurately using this method. If a woman in this age group is concerned about breast changes, a doctor may still recommend a mammogram but will probably also arrange an Ultrasound. A referral to a medical imaging service is needed for this. A GP can provide this referral.
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MRI - In recent local studies, breast Magnetic Resonance Imagery (MRI) has been shown to be an effective tool for use in patients at high risk of developing breast cancer. The Federal Government recently announced that it would include this examination in their Medicare rebate scheme for these patients. Talk to your doctor for more information about this.
Be Breast Aware by Pauline Wright
Dear Girlfriends everywhere
I have some news I need to share.
I found a lump in my breast.
Dashed off to see the doctor,
He sent me for a test.
The results came back the following day.
The diagnosis – BREAST CANCER.
It’s happened to me,
It can happen to you.
Please be aware,
There is something you should do.
So come on girls,
Bare your breasts.
Touch them, feel them, regularly.
Over 50 go for ‘the squeeze’ *
Don’t leave it to fate,
To make that date.
Girlfriends everywhere,
This news we must share.
* ‘the squeeze’ - mammogram
Pauline Wright was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006 and was inspired to write a poem and create a card to give to family and friends to encourage them to be breast aware. Pauline has given the Breast Cancer Foundation of WA her poem to help spread the message of the importance of being breast aware.
Contact the BCFWA on 9324 3703 to arrange a speaker at your next gathering.