Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women and men.

It is a cancer that develops in your breast tissue. All women should be aware of their breasts.

You should know what your breasts normally look and feel like so that any unusual changes can be investigated.

Symptoms

Things you should look out for include:

a new lump or lumpiness in your breasts, especially if it is only in one breast
a change in:
- the size and shape of your breast
- your nipple such as crusting, an ulcer, redness or your nipple pulled in
- the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling or puckered skin
a pain that does not go away.

You can reduce your risk of breast cancer by:

If you are between 40 and 74 years of age, you can have a free mammogram with BreastScreenNT.

If breast cancer is suspected, your health professional will refer you to a surgeon.

Your surgeon will conduct further tests to determine the spread of cancer.

These tests may include mammography, ultrasound and biopsy, and can be at

Your surgeon will determine the stage of cancer and will discuss surgery options with you.

If surgery is an option, they will discuss additional treatment and management of your cancer with other specialists.

The type of surgery will depend on the stage your cancer is at. If you have late stage cancers, you are unlikely to have surgery.

You may have lumpectomy (the tumour is removed from your breast) or mastectomy (removal of your breasts).

Your surgery will be carried out at the Royal Darwin Hospital or Alice Springs Hospital, depending on where you live.

You can also choose to have surgery at Darwin Private Hospital.

Drug therapy may include:

chemotherapy - benefits most patients, treatment is usually 3 to 6 months
hormone therapy - benefits patients at high risk of recurrence, treatment is usually 5 years
targeted therapy - only given for certain types of cancer, treatment is usually one year.

These are carried out at the Alan Walker Cancer Centre in Darwin, Alice Springs Hospital or you may have to travel interstate.

Usually used for intermediate and high risk tumours. Length of treatment is 5 to 6 weeks.

Radiotherapy is carried out at the Alan Walker Cancer Centre in Darwin or interstate.

You are likely to need an annual mammogram.

Your doctor can refer you to other support services such as an occupational therapist or physiotherapist.

The Cancer Council NT can also provide support from a breast care nurse. They can also help you with breast prostheses.

Call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20 or go to the Cancer Council NT website.

You can also read the cancer journeys in the NT breast cancer report via the NT Health Digital Library.

Share this page: