Breast Cancer

Whilst Breast Cancer may be identified on a screening mammogram, it can also be missed.  Dense breast tissue may obscure the view of small cancers.  For anyone with a family history of breast cancer, we encourage you to speak with your primary care physician regarding monitoring your breast health from an early age.  Free breast screening is available for women over 40, however, there may be extended waiting lists in more regional and remote locations.  

We strongly encourage women (especially those under 55) living in more remote locations to actively request an urgent scan from your GP if you find a lump in your breast. Early detection is key in obtaining optimal patient outcomes.

No woman in Australia should be waiting two months for diagnostic mammography or breast ultrasound to confirm or rule out the presence of breast cancer.

Diagnostic mammography & breast ultrasound usually attract signficant out of pocket expenses (after Medicare rebate) at private imaging providers such as Qld X-Ray & South Coast Radiology.  We recommend obtaining a quote from the provider directly for their services.  If cancer is confirmed, you will likely require further imaging & biopsy procedures, both attracting substantial out of pocket costs.  Comprehensive Cancer Initiative are able to provide invaluable insight into such procedures & the costs involved.

Breast cancer surgery may involve either a Sentinel Node Biopsy or Axillary dissection, both necessary but invasive procedures which can result in lymphoedema, cording & pain.  To learn more, view breast cancer treatment information from Cancer Australia here. For a first hand account of these procedures, please speak with Gina.

Detailed information regarding endocrine treatment for hormone receptor positive breast cancer, is detailed at the bottom of this page.  We include information from the Australian Menopause Society which highlights the signficant considerations for this cohort of breast cancer patients.