Support for people with early breast cancer

Each year in Western Australia around 1900 women and 100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. A diagnosis of breast cancer can be a worrying time for patients, their families and friends.

Diagnosis

A number of tests may be necessary to diagnose and stage your cancer. Usual diagnostic tests include the “triple test” which involves a clinical examination of the breast, imaging which should include a mammogram and ultrasound, and a tissue biopsy (core biopsy or fine needle aspiration).

On diagnosis, further radiological tests may be necessary to check whether your cancer has spread and may include a PET scan, CT scan of your chest, abdomen and pelvis and a whole-body bone scan.

If there are multiple cancers in the same breast (multi-focal cancer) you may need to have a breast MRI to assist the surgeon to accurately assess the type of surgery required.

Treatment

Depending on the stage of the cancer, there are a number of treatment options that may be discussed with the patient and family.

These include

• Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy
• Surgery
• Adjuvant chemotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Adjuvant radiotherapy
• Endocrine therapy
• a combination of the above.

Helping you along your cancer journey

The McGrath Early Breast Cancer Nurse Coordination Service is a free state-wide service available to metropolitan and rural patients in WA. This service is provided through the collaboration of the Cancer Network WA (CNWA) and the McGrath Foundation.

The McGrath Early Breast Cancer nurse can support you by:

• Assisting you through the health care system and finding the best services to help you and your family.
• Acting as a central point of contact.
• Assisting with coordinating appointments (where possible).
• Providing and explaining information on your diagnosis and treatment.
• Liaising and linking with other services within your treating hospital and the wider community.

Other useful contacts

Breast Cancer Care WA
Tel: (08) 9324 3703
Provides emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer.

Cancer Council WA
Tel: 13 11 20
Provides disease-specific information, counselling, complementary therapies, practical support (accommodation, wig library) legal advice and advocacy.

McGrath Foundation
Tel: 1800 183 338
Provides funding for McGrath Breast Care Nurses who can provide support for people and their families affected by breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Clinical Psychology Service
This is a free service available to patients attending metropolitan tertiary hospitals for breast cancer treatment. Referral from a health care professional is required.
Private patients – contact your treating team for details.

Country Health Connection
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides a free transport and coordination service in Perth for Aboriginal people travelling to Perth for specialist treatment.

SolarisCare
Tel: (08) 6383 3475
Provides counselling and complementary therapies for cancer patients and their families.

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
Provides a subsidy towards the cost of travel and accommodation for eligible WA country residents travelling long distance for specialist medical services.

Useful websites

Breast Cancer Care WA
Web: www.breastcancer.org.au

Breast Cancer Network Australia
Web: www.bcna.org.au

Cancer Australia
Web: www.canceraustralia.gov.au

Cancer Council WA
Web: www.cancerwa.asn.au

Cancer Hub
Web: cancerhub.org.au

Country Health Connection
Email: countryhealthconnection@health.wa.gov.au

Look Good Feel Better
Web: lgfb.org.au/workshop

McGrath Foundation Breast Care Nurses
Web: www.mcgrathfoundation.com.au

Mummy's Wish
Web: mummyswish.org.au

Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS)
Web: www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au