This can produce good cosmetic results after mastectomy. The support services or your plastic surgeon will show you photographs of what can be achieved by breast reconstruction. Discuss the matter with your surgeon, who will advise about its suitability and whether it may be done at the time of mastectomy or later.
Follow-up
After treatment you’ll need annual mammography for at least the first 10 years after surgery and careful regular follow-up for the rest of your life, though the interval between visits will increase with time. If you’re concerned about any change in your condition before your follow-up is due, contact your doctor.
The future
Improved methods of early detection are on the horizon. Researchers are working on a blood test that will identify cancerous breast changes earlier than ever. New techniques, new drugs, plus the results of studies in different parts of the world all contribute to an ever-changing scenario in the detection and treatment of breast cancer. Identification of the gene that makes women susceptible to breast cancer may pave the way to prevention.
At present it’s up to you. Examine your own breasts once a month. Ask your doctor for a breast examination as part of regular health checks and whether regular screening mammograms are advisable. Regular BSE is very important between screening mammograms.
Breast cancer support services
Information can be obtained from the following.
Australian Capital Territory
ACT Cancer Society 15 Theodore Street
Curtin ACT 2605
Tel. (06) 285 3070
New South Wales
NSW Cancer Council
153 Dowling Street
Woolloomooloo NSW 2011
Tel. (02) 9334 1900
Northern Territory
NT Anti-Cancer Foundation
Unit 2, 23 Vanderlin Drive
Casuarina NT 0810
Tel. (08) 8927 4888
Queensland Cancer Fund
553 Gregory Terrace Fortitude Valley QLD 4006
Tel. (07) 3258 2200
South Australia
Anti-Cancer Foundation
202 Greenhill Road
Eastwood SA 5063
Tel. (08) 8291 4111
Tasmania
Tasmanian Cancer Council
13 Liverpool Street Hobart TAS. 7000
Tel. (03) 6233 2030
Victoria
Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria
1 Rathdowne Street
Carlton South VIC. 3053 Tel. (03) 9279
1111 Fax. (03) 9279 1240
Western Australia
Cancer Foundation
334 Rokeby Road
Subiaco WA 6008
Tel. (09) 381 4515
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