Understanding Breast Cancer - Key Points

Information & Support

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Understanding

This booklet provides general information about breast cancer and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor about matters that affect your health.

Cancer Council

• Australia's peak non-government cancer control organisation.
• Provides programs and services to improve the quality of life for people with cancer and their families.
• Invests heavily in research and prevention.

About this Booklet

• Aimed at people with breast cancer, their families, and friends.
• Includes information on early and locally advanced breast cancer, with a short section on advanced breast cancer.
• Developed with help from health professionals and people affected by breast cancer.
• Based on Australian and international clinical practice guidelines.

Key Questions

• What is breast cancer?
• How common is breast cancer?
• Does breast cancer run in families?
• What are the risk factors for breast cancer?
• What are the different types of breast conditions and breast cancers?
• What are the symptoms?
• Which health professionals will I see?

Diagnosis

• Main tests include physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, breast MRI scan, and biopsy.
• Further tests may include blood tests, bone scan, CT scan, and PET scan.
• Staging and grading help determine the extent and aggressiveness of the cancer.
• Hormone receptor status and HER2 status are important for treatment decisions.
• Gene expression profile tests may help predict the risk of cancer returning.

Making Treatment Decisions

• Consider treatment options, side effects, and costs.
• Take notes and ask questions during appointments.
• Consider a second opinion if desired.

Treatment

• Treatment options depend on individual factors, including cancer stage and grade.
• Surgery (breast-conserving or mastectomy) is often part of the treatment plan.
• Neoadjuvant treatment may be used before surgery to shrink the cancer.
• Adjuvant treatment may be used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells.
• Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are common treatment types.

Managing Side Effects

• Common side effects include fatigue, shoulder stiffness, numbness, seroma, lymphoedema, and cording.
• Support is available for managing side effects and improving quality of life.

Looking After Yourself

• Focus on eating well, staying active, managing work and financial issues, maintaining relationships, and exploring complementary therapies.

Life After Treatment

• Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor health and manage long-term side effects.
• Support is available for dealing with feelings of sadness and anxiety.

What if the Cancer Returns?

• Regular checks and being "breast aware" can help detect recurrence.
• Continue taking prescribed drugs as advised by your doctor.

Caring for Someone with Cancer

• Support services and programs are available to help carers manage their role.

Seeking Support

• Cancer Council offers information, support, and resources for people affected by cancer.

Useful Websites

• List of reputable websites for cancer-related information and support.

Question Checklist

• A list of questions to help you make informed decisions about your treatment.

Glossary

• Definitions of key terms related to breast cancer and its treatment.

How You Can Help

• Ways to support Cancer Council's work in cancer control, research, and support services.

Cancer Council Contact Information

• Phone number, website, and local Cancer Council websites for further information and support.