Breast Cancer Screening & Surgery in Sydney
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer will affect 1 in 7 Australian women during their lifetime.
The first symptom of breast cancer is usually a painless lump in the breast. Sometimes, breast cancer is first discovered as a “swollen gland” (lymph node) in the armpit. Certain skin changes, such as skin dimpling or redness, could also be a sign of breast cancer. In some cases, breast cancer may first appear as a change in the appearance of the nipple, or loss of breast symmetry.
Although not all breast conditions are cancerous, it is important to consult a doctor if you detect any changes in your breasts.
How do you investigate breast cancer?
If a breast lump is discovered, initial investigations include a mammogram and an ultrasound. A biopsy is needed to determine whether a breast lump is cancerous.
Other investigations that may be done include an MRI, CT scan or bone scan. Some of these investigations are done following the diagnosis of cancer, to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the breast.
What should I expect during my consultation for breast cancer?
Your Sydney Surgical Clinic specialist will discuss the biopsy result, and implications for treatment, with you. Treatment options for breast cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy. A combination of treatments may be used, and sequencing of treatments is tailored according to your specific condition. For example, chemotherapy may be required before surgery, to shrink a tumour, or radiation therapy may be required after surgery, to prevent the cancer from recurring.
Surgery for breast cancer can involve a lumpectomy (where only the cancerous lump is removed, along with a margin of healthy tissue) or a mastectomy (where the whole breast is removed). A mastectomy may be followed by a breast reconstruction – either on the same day, or later. Sometimes it is also necessary to remove lymph nodes (“glands”) in the armpits during the surgery.
What should I bring to my consultation?
Most patients find it helpful to attend their consultation together with a support person. Please also bring:
- Your Medicare card.
- GP referral letter.
- A list of your current medications.
- Your “surgeon pack” from Breastscreen, including the results of your breast ultrasound and mammogram.
- Results of any recent blood tests or other investigations, as well as specialist letters.
Does a family history of breast cancer mean I will get it too?
Having a family history of breast cancer does not mean that you will get it too. A lot of people have a relative with breast cancer but that’s because breast cancer is not that uncommon – affecting 1 in 7 women.
However, true genetic cancers do account for around 5-10 % of all breast cancers. A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer does increase your risk of developing breast cancer, especially if multiple close relatives have been affected, or if their diagnosis was at a young age.
If you have inherited a faulty gene (mutation) from your parents, this could place you at higher risk for breast cancer. For example, mutations in the BRCA 1/ BRCA 2 gene could increase your risk of breast and ovarian cancer by up to 85%. Although everybody has heard of Angelina Jolie’s double mastectomy and reconstruction for the BRCA gene, less than 1% of people in Australia would test positive for this genetic mutation.
If you are concerned about a family history of breast cancer, you should see a Sydney Surgical Clinic specialist who can assess your risk and refer you for genetic testing if needed. If a genetic mutation is found, the specialist can discuss your options for surveillance (careful monitoring), risk-reducing medications or surgery to prevent breast cancer.
I am pregnant and have noticed a lump in my breast. Could it be cancer?
Most breast lumps that occur during pregnancy are not cancerous. However, if you are pregnant and have noticed a lump in your breast, please seek medical attention. Occasionally, breast cancer is diagnosed during pregnancy. Because the hormonal changes associated with pregnancy can influence the growth of breast cancers, it is important not to delay seeking treatment.
Depending on the type of breast cancer as well as your stage of pregnancy, different treatment options are available. The specialist will work with you to ensure that you get the best treatment outcomes, whilst also caring for the health of your baby.
Can men get breast cancer?
Although the majority of breast cancer patients are female, men can also get breast cancer. If you notice any unusual changes or growth of your breasts, you should seek medical attention.
Can you recommend any online breast cancer resources?
A diagnosis of breast cancer can leave you feeling confused and overwhelmed. Here are some reliable resources that may answer some of your questions:
