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Breast cancer
Every woman should look at and feel her breasts regularly. That way you will get to know what is normal for you, and make it easier to notice any new or unusal changes.
What do I need to do?
You can look in the mirror and feel your breasts in the shower, or while lying in bed. You don't need to do it in any particular way, or at any particular time. It should only take a few minutes. Check all the way from under your bra line up to your collar bone, and into your armpit.
If you notice
 a lump, lumpiness or thickening in your breast or armpit
changes in the skin - dimpling, puckering or redness changes to your nipple - its size or shape an unusual discharge from your nipple unusual persistant paintalk to your doctor as soon as possible. It doesn't matter how old you are. Even if you're having regular mammograms, you still need to be aware of any breast changes.
Are all changes breast cancer?
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and don't stay the same throughout life. They can change with your period, your weight, your age or pregnancy.
That's why anything that isn't normal for you should be looked at - you may need further testing after you've seen your doctor.
Should I have a regular screening mammogram?
If you are under 40 - screening mammograms are not recommended as your breasts are dense If you are 40-49 - discuss with your doctor whether this is a good idea for you If you are over 50 - women aged 50 to 69 benefit most from free two-yearly mammographic screening If you are over 70 - talk to your doctor about whether this is a good idea for you.Call BreastScreen SA 13 20 50 to make an appointment.
There's breast cancer in my family - what should I do?
Talk to your doctor about any concerns or questions you have about your risk of breast cancer and the appropriate tests for you.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre provides comprehenisve information about all aspects of breast cancer
- including the NBOCC position statement on thermography
- Find out your risk of breast cancer - includes explanation of risk factors
The early detection of breast cancer: screening mammograms [The Cancer Council Australia fact sheet]
Early detection of breast cancer [The Cancer Council Australia position statement]  Top |
Prevention & early detection 
