Breast Self Examination – Be Breast Cancer Aware
Know Your Breasts
Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women. While survival rates continue to improve for women with breast cancer in Australia – the overall 5-year survival rate for breast cancer in females is now 90% – it is still important to be breast aware and know what signs to look out for. Dr Hunt offers tips on Breast Self Examination, explains how regularly you should check your breasts and some of the important changes to look out for – when you should see a doctor.
It is important to check your breast for any changes on a regular basis. You know your breasts and your body better than anyone else – if you notice a change it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Make sure you check your breasts at different times of the month. Your breasts can change during your menstrual cycle, so it is good to know how they may feel or change as a result of this.
It is also common for your breasts to change during the menopause and it is recommended for women over the age of 50 to attend regular breast screens. In fact, Australian women aged between 50-74 are invited to access free mammograms every 2 years via the BreastScreen Australia program.
BSE – Breast Self Examination is Key
Knowing your breasts is key! Get familiar with how they feel throughout the month by checking them at different times, as there will be changes during your cycle.
If you check your breasts on a regular basis, you are will be aware of any subtle changes. If you notice a change, it is important to seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Looking for Breast Cancer Symptoms
In most cases, changes to your breasts are unlikely to be a result of breast cancer, but here are some of the changes you want to look out for during your breast self examination:
- A new lump, or lumpiness particularly if it’s only in one breast
- A change in shape or size of your breasts
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Changes to the nipple, such as redness, inversion, ulcers or crusting
- Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- Change to the skin, such as dimpling or redness
Getting used to how your breasts feel means you’re more likely to know what is normal and when something might be wrong.
Click to learn more about breast cancer – including symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – Teaching others about Breast Self Examination
October is breast cancer awareness month in Australia; an annual campaign that helps to increase awareness of the disease through education and support.
Finding breast cancer early is imperative as it gives you an optimal chance of beating the disease, so we wanted to talk about breast health and share a few tips from Dr Hunt we hope you find helpful.
Here are some additional links we love for Breast Self Examination and Breast Cancer:
- The Cancer Council – Learn more about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
- Pink Ribbon – Giveback by hosting a morning tea, a trivia night, doing something fun and wild to your hair
Dr Hunt offers Breast Reconstruction Surgery post-cancer
If you have had breast surgery to treat breast cancer, then you may be considering breast reconstruction surgery. Reconstructive surgery is complex and must be tailored to your specific needs. The type of surgery you have – lumpectomy, mastectomy, node removal – will have a big influence on the type of reconstructive procedure you require. Dr Hunt will thoroughly explain all the options to you, and you will find a welcoming and supportive environment.
Make an Enquiry with Dr Hunt
If reconstructive surgery is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you and support you on your journey in a one-on-one consultation.
About Dr Jeremy Hunt – Plastic Surgeon
Dr Jeremy Hunt is a specialist plastic surgeon performing breast, body, face and nose surgery in Australia. He is a member of FRACS & ASPS and has over 20 years of experience providing cosmetic and plastic surgery in Sydney.
Careful, considerate and honest, Dr Jeremy Hunt works with you to find a solution that is optimal for your body and your lifestyle.
Dr Hunt’s personal, one-on-one service and attention to detail has given thousands of women and men from the Sydney & Wollongong NSW area and across Australia the aesthetic results they desire.
Dr Hunt’s Qualifications and Education
Dr Jeremy A Hunt MBBS FRACS graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine degree from Sydney University in 1990 and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgery. He completed a Fellowship at the prestigious University of Texas in the United States, where he learnt from some of the world’s very best plastic surgeons.
Next Step – Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Want more information before scheduling your consultation?
- Find out more about pricing, medical payment plans and paying for your surgery
- Request more information about the procedure – call on 1300 157 200 or contact us
If breast reduction is something you’re considering, Dr Hunt can thoroughly explain all the options to you in a one-on-one consultation.
- Make an Enquiry or Request a consultation with Dr Hunt
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health professional.
