Breast Self-Checks and Breast Cancer Screening

Breast cancer affects approximately one in ten women. However, when detected early, it has a high chance of successful treatment. Regular breast self-checks can help with early detection. You may feel unsure about what to look for at first, but by becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts, you will be more likely to notice changes such as lumps or skin changes. Self-checks only need to be done once a month. The best time is shortly after your menstrual period has finished, when the breasts are less tender or swollen. Around 40% of breast cancers are detected after women notice a lump themselves. Regular self-checks are particularly important for younger women, as breast cancer can sometimes progress more rapidly in younger age groups. Whether or not you are taking the contraceptive pill, we encourage you to make it a monthly habit to check both your breasts and the lymph nodes in your underarms.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Check

There are many instructional videos available online. The key steps include:

• Observation in front of a mirror
  Place your hands on your hips and observe the shape and contour of your breasts. Raise and lower your arms and look for any visible changes such as dimpling, skin changes, or asymmetry.
• Palpation while standing
  Using the pads of your fingertips, check the entire breast area, including behind the nipple and up to the underarm.
• Palpation while lying down
  When lying on your back, the breast tissue spreads more evenly over the chest wall, which can sometimes make lumps easier to feel.

If you notice any changes such as a lump, dimpling, redness, persistent pain, or nipple discharge (including bleeding), please see a GP promptly for further assessment.

Depending on your age and clinical findings, your GP may recommend a breast ultrasound or mammogram. If needed, a biopsy (a small tissue sample taken with a needle) may be performed to confirm a diagnosis. Even if results are benign, follow-up imaging may be recommended in six to twelve months for monitoring.

If malignancy is suspected, your GP will refer you to a breast surgeon for specialist management. Australia, like Japan, provides a very high standard of breast cancer care. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may choose to receive treatment either in Japan or in Australia.

Mammography Screening in Australia

In Australia, routine screening mammography is recommended every two years for women aged 50 to 74 years. Women aged 40 to 49 years and those aged 75 years and over may also access screening after discussion with their GP.

Free screening mammograms are available for eligible people, including foreign residents, even if they do not have Medicare.

Screening centres are often located within or near major shopping centres, and appointments can be easily booked online.

If you live in Queensland, you can book here: BreastScreen Queensland appointment booking . We strongly encourage you to take advantage of regular screening and early detection services.