“Look after your best assets – and self-check regularly”

It is imperative that all women know their breasts and check them regularly. Early detection of anything suspicious is the best way of getting the quickest advice, treatment and best outcome.  The best way to know if there is anything different about your breasts is to check them every month.  There is no special method, just be aware of the look and feel of your breasts and get to know what is normal for you.  More than half of all new cases of breast cancer are found by women or their doctor noticing a change in their breast. 

If you notice any changes in your breasts, please see your doctor straight away. 

Changes to look for include:

• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it is in one breast
• Any discharge from the nipple
• A change in size or shape of your breast or nipple
• A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
• An unusual pain that does not go away

The Cancer Council’s helpline number is 13 11 20.

The following links are to sites that give further, more detailed information about breast cancer.  If you have any further information to add to this guide, please do not hesitate to contact us.

National Breast Cancer Foundation – www.nbcf.org.au
The ultimate goal of the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s is to raise enough money to fund a cure for breast cancer. As Australia’s leading national not-for profit organisation established to fund all forms of research into the prevention and cure of breast cancer, we have a responsibility to ensure that the funds you work so hard to raise are used in the best possible way as we move towards making our goal a reality.

The Jean Hailes Foundation – www.jeanhailes.org.au
The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health is a not-for-profit organisation providing important services for women from adolescence to mid-life and beyond. Established in Victoria in 1992, it is now regarded throughout Australia as a leader in women's healthcare.

Breast Cancer Network Australia – www.bcna.org.au
Breast Cancer Network Australia’s role is to empower, inform, represent and link together Australians personally affected by breast cancer. It is driven by women who have themselves experienced breast cancer and represents more than 18,000 breast cancer survivors nationally.

PINK FOR LIFE – www.pinkforlife.info
Mission
To raise funds and awareness for the cancer charities that are making a difference to the lives of those living with cancer and those that are contributing to the search for a cure.

The Cancer Council Australia – www.cancer.org.au
The Cancer Council Australia is Australia's national non-government cancer control organization. The Cancer Council Australia's goal is to lead the development and promotion of national cancer control policy in Australia, in order to prevent cancer and reduce the illness, disability and death caused by cancer.