Choose the experts who know breasts best

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. The purpose of a breast self-exam is to become familiar with the way your breasts normally look and feel, so that you can identify any changes or abnormalities in your breasts, such as a new lump or skin changes. Breasts will change depending on a woman’s cycle, which is why “same time of the month” breast checks are encouraged. One way to remember is to do a breast check on the first of every month.

Any changes in your breasts discovered during a breast self-exam should be reported to your doctor right away. 

No. A benign lump is not cancerous and cannot turn into cancer. However, it is important to make sure that the lump is benign in the first place as some breast cancers may be mistaken for benign lumps. If you notice any new or unusual lumps in your breast, you should see your doctor as soon as possible for a clinical breast examination and further tests, such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy. These tests can confirm whether the lump is benign or malignant and help you decide on the best course of action. 

No. Most breast changes are not due to cancer, but to benign conditions, such as fibrocystic breast disease, mastitis, cysts, fibroadenomas or hormonal fluctuations. These conditions can cause lumps, swelling, pain, tenderness or nipple discharge in the breasts. However, some breast changes may be signs of breast cancer, such as: 

• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it is only in one breast. 

• A change in the size or shape of your breast. 

Genetic testing for breast cancer is not recommended for everyone as most breast cancers are not caused by inherited gene mutations. Genetic testing may be considered for you if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer that suggests a higher risk of having a gene mutation, such as: 

• Having breast cancer before the age of 45. 

• Having breast cancer in both breasts or more than one type of cancer. 

• Having ovarian cancer or male breast cancer at any age. 

• Having two or more close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially if diagnosed before the age of 50. 

• Having Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. 

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be supported by a compassionate team who understand how overwhelming this time can be. You’ll meet specialist breast care nurses and clinicians who’ll guide you through what to expect, answer your questions, and help you feel informed and cared for. Your care will be personalised, and you’ll never be alone—our team is here to walk beside you every step of the way, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.

• Check-in: When you arrive, the reception team will greet you, confirm your details, and help with any forms.
• Consultation: You’ll meet with a doctor in the consulting rooms to talk about your diagnosis and discuss a personalised treatment plan.
• Support: A nurse may also be present to help explain things and answer questions. If treatment is needed, education will be provided before it begins.
• Next steps: Before leaving, make sure to book any follow-up appointments.

What to bring

• Your Medicare card, health insurance card, and concession card (if you have them)
• Any referrals and a list of current medications (including supplements or over-the-counter items)
• A pen and paper to take notes
• Something to keep you occupied (e.g. book, knitting, tablet)
• Snacks or preferred food items
• Comfortable, loose clothing (especially for treatment days)
• Diabetes medications, if applicable
• A support person – they’re welcome to join discussions (with your permission) and help you get home safely

Helpful tips

• It’s normal to feel anxious—bring someone you trust for emotional support.
• The team is there to answer any questions, so don’t hesitate to ask.
• Your care will be tailored to your needs, and you’ll be supported every step of the way.

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the type and stage of the cancer, the presence of certain receptors on the cancer cells, your overall health and your personal preferences. 

Some of the common treatments for breast cancer are:

• Surgery 
  This involves removing the cancerous tissue from the breast and sometimes the nearby lymph nodes. Surgery can be breast-conserving (removing the cancer and some surrounding healthy tissue) or mastectomy (removing the entire breast tissue). Some women may also have a breast reconstruction after surgery. 

• Chemotherapy 
  This uses drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given before or after surgery.  

• Radiation therapy 
  This uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer.  

• Hormone therapy 
  This is used for hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, which grow in response to hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Hormone therapy blocks the action of these hormones or lowers their levels in the body. Hormone therapy may be given after surgery to prevent recurrence.  

• Targeted therapy 
  This is used for certain types of breast cancer with specific characteristics, such as HER2-positive breast cancer. Targeted therapy drugs target these specific features and block their growth or destroy them. Targeted therapy may be used in combination with chemotherapy, hormone therapy or on its own. 

Breast cancer treatment can affect everyone differently. It’s important to know what to expect so you can feel more prepared and supported throughout your journey.

Common Physical Side Effects

• Tiredness (Fatigue): Feeling very tired is common and can last for a while.
• Nausea or Vomiting: Some treatments may upset your stomach, but medications can help.
• Hair Loss: Chemotherapy may cause hair to fall out, but it usually grows back after treatment.
• Skin Changes: Your skin may become dry, sensitive, or irritated, especially with radiation.
• Swelling (Lymphoedema): This can happen if lymph nodes are removed or damaged.
• Menopause Symptoms: Hot flushes, mood changes, and vaginal dryness may occur.
• Weight Changes: You might gain or lose weight depending on your treatment and lifestyle.
• Pain or Discomfort: You may feel sore in your joints, muscles, or where you had surgery.

Emotional and Mental Effects

• Feeling Anxious or Low: It’s normal to feel overwhelmed or emotional.
• ‘Chemo Brain’: Some people notice changes in memory or concentration.
• Body Image Concerns: Changes to your body can affect how you feel about yourself.

Long-Term Effects

Some side effects may continue after treatment or appear later, such as:

• Ongoing tiredness
• Nerve pain or tingling
• Changes to heart or bone health
• Fertility issues

How your breasts look after treatment/surgery depends on the type of treatment/surgery you have, as well as the size of your breast and your body shape. 

Some possible outcomes are: 

• After breast-conserving surgery, the size and position of the scar will depend on how much tissue is removed. The scar will usually be less than 10cm. The breast may change shape or size slightly, but it will usually look similar to how it did before surgery.
• After a mastectomy, the scar will be across the skin of the chest. If you have surgery to the lymph nodes, the scar will also be in the armpit.  You may choose to have a breast reconstruction using implants or your own tissue, or to wear a breast prosthesis. 
• After a nipple-sparing mastectomy, the nipple and areola will be preserved, but the breast tissue will be removed. You may choose to have a breast reconstruction using implants or your own tissue. The nipple may lose some sensation or change in appearance.