Breast Cancer Care WA

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What can we do for you today?

Breast Cancer Nurse visits a patient

Get Help

Specialist breast care nursing, counselling and practical support is available to all West Australians facing a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Care WA wrist band

Get Involved

There are many ways to make a difference, from volunteering to fundraising and joining our events. We’d love you to join the team!

breast cancer care team with partners

Partner With Us

Partnering with Breast Cancer Care WA can engage your employees, create a closer connection to the community and enhance stakeholder relationships. 

Have a great time for a wonderful cause at our signature events! 

Meet the people who inspire us

Karen

Personal Stories - Karen
It was Karen’s determination not to lose any function in her arm that motivated her to keep moving during and after her diagnosis and treatment. Karen was active prior to surgery but didn’t place a priority on exercise in and amongst her busy life and work.
Karen Orr Triathlon

Louise

Louise is a 44 year old woman who self-referred to Breast Cancer Care WA to receive counselling support following her breast cancer diagnosis. She had been experiencing ‘lumpy’ breasts for the previous 12-24 months, but discovered that a lump in her left breast was becoming larger, with itchiness and discolouration around her left nipple.
breast cancer survivor Louise wearing soulful survivor sisters shirt

Miwa

Miwa Takahashi, 33, was diagnosed with breast cancer in April last year after finding an unusual lump in the shower. The next week flew by - a visit to the GP, an ultrasound, a biopsy, and results in a matter of days
Miwa Takahashi photo

Parvin

Parvin’s mother was her best friend. Her parents had moved to Australia as refugees from Iran when she was young, and she followed a few years later.
Parvin's personal Breast Cancer Story

John

Friday 21 July 2017 started out as an ordinary day for John. With plans to visit family with his wife Kaye, he jumped in the shower to freshen up. It was while he was washing that he found a tiny lump under his left breast.
Breast Cancer Survivor John

Christine

Children: four, two boys and two girls David – 19Lachlan – 14Sarah – 16Alyssa – 10 Christine said living in Sydney had become too busy...
breast cancer care wa supporting Christine

Lisa

Lisa was first told the shocking news that she had breast cancer in 2000 when she was just 35. Suddenly her life was turned upside down. She knew nothing about breast cancer or where to turn for help.
Lisa Tobin with her dog photo

Emma

At 34, Emma had the world at her feet. With a loving husband and two gorgeous young daughters, life couldn’t get much better. Then, just by chance one day when scratching under her arm, she discovered a small lump on the side of her breas
Emma and Ryan family photo

Michelle

This 50-year-old former speed skater and roller derby queen is living life at top speed, because; as she says, “I don’t know how much time I’ve got.”
Michelle and her husband

Mia

At 39 years old Mia, a healthy young woman with four children, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy, radiotherapy and a hormone...
Mia

Fundraising for a cause

Every day in WA, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer. We are here for them, their partners and their families.

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Ways to Fundraise

Breast Cancer Care WA only exists due to the generosity of the West Australian community, as we receive no ongoing government funding. 

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Fundraising Examples

And we’d love for you to get on board! This page shows a variety of different ways to fundraise, and some resources you can use at your own fundraiser! 

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Host Your Own

Happiness is only real, when shared…. and just like a bra, it can be uplifting!  just remember we are proud to be purple! 

 

What do I do if I find a lump?

In young women, breasts can feel much lumpier around the time of the menstrual cycle. If a lump persists after one menstrual cycle, contact your doctor. In older women, who have gone through the menopause, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

All breasts have areas of lumpiness that fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, however if lumps are irregular, unchanging or slowly enlarging or new you should contact your doctor.

Are most breast lumps found to be cancerous?

Nearly 80% of breast lumps are benign (not cancerous). Lumpy breasts are very common and they can change with different times of the menstrual cycle. Any lump that is new or unusual should be checked by a doctor.

When I’m checking my breasts, am I looking for lumps?

A lump in the breast is only one change that may indicate breast cancer. All women regardless of age are encouraged to be breast aware. Click here to find out how.

The changes you should look for include;

  • A lump or lumpiness
  • An area that feels different to the rest of the breast
  • An area of thickening
  • Changes to the skin such as dimpling, puckering or redness
  • Nipple discharge or bleeding from the nipple
  • Nipple itchiness, scaly skin or ulcers around the nipple
  • New nipple inversion
  • New and persistent pain
  • If you notice any of the above changes please consult your GP or health professional as soon as possible.

Why have a mammogram?

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.

  • A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast.
  • Mammograms can detect up to 90% of breast cancers.
  • Mammograms can detect a lump as small as a grain of rice.
  • 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.

Can men get breast cancer?

As men have breast tissue, men can also develop breast cancer. However, male breast cancer accounts for less than one per cent of all breast cancer diagnosed. Each year approximately 144 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Both men and women have breast tissue – men just have less of it.

There’s no family history of breast cancer – can I still get it?

Every woman has some risk of developing breast cancer. 9 out of 10 women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history. However, the more relatives you have with breast cancer, the higher your risk is of developing it.