Breast Health

Breast Awareness

Having breast awareness is a key tool for your breast health. This encompasses paying attention to new breast symptoms, self breast examination, regular clinical breast examinations with your doctor, and the appropriate breast screening for your personal risk.

Breast Symptoms

Most women will experience some form of breast symptoms throughout their life including breast pain, lumps, nipple discharge, and skin changes. If a breast symptom persists you should always see a doctor for further assessment.

Self Breast Examination

Self breast examination is an important part of breast health and ideally should be performed monthly. The most important aspect of self breast examination is to learn what your breasts normally feel like, so that you are more likely to pick up an abnormality should it occur. Your breasts can swell and become tender at different stages of your cycle so plan a time each month to avoid discomfort.

Breast Screening

In Australia we are fortunate to have a free screening program through BreastScreen. All women between the age of 50-74 years will receive an invite in the mail to have a second yearly screening mammogram. BreastScreen will also offer screening to women between the age of 40-50 years and over the age of 74 if they wish. Screening is for asymptomatic women. You can call 13 20 50 to book, or online at https://www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au

Alternatively, you can have screening privately with your GP or a Breast Specialist, who can arrange for you to have a mammogram and ultrasound at a private imaging provider.

It is important to understand that if you develop a breast symptom, you should see a doctor for a breast examination and to arrange breast imaging.