Living with breast cancer

A breast cancer diagnosis can have a physical, emotional and practical impact on your life. Learn how to deal with the challenges of living with breast cancer.

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Breast cancer

Breast cancer often shows as a lump in the breast tissue, although most breast lumps are not cancerous. If detected early on, recovery is more likely.

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Breast cancer awareness

Your risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Here’s how to recognise symptoms and detect it early.

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What you should know about breast cancer in young women

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, learn how to spot the signs and symptoms of breast cancer — particularly if you're too young for routine mammograms.

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Sentinel node biopsy

Sentinel nodes are the first lymph nodes in the armpit to which breast cancer cells can spread. A biopsy to remove the sentinel nodes gives your breast cancer team important information to help plan your future breast cancer treatment.

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Axillary node clearance

The lymph nodes in the armpit (axilla) can be affected by breast cancer. Axillary node clearance is a procedure to remove your lymph nodes to help treat the cancer and to prevent it from coming back in your armpit.

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Wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Imaging-assisted wide local excision

A wide local excision involves removing the cancer with a rim of breast tissue around the cancer. It usually involves removing some of the lymph nodes in your armpit.

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Mastectomy

A mastectomy is an operation to remove a breast, usually to treat breast cancer. Learn how to prepare and what to expect if you need this surgery.

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Mammography

A mammogram is a type of x-ray used to screen for breast cancer. Learn more about the process, plus the benefits and risks of mammography.

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Male mastectomy

Surgery gives the best chance of you being free of early breast cancer. A mastectomy involves removing all your breast tissue. It usually involves removing some or most of the lymph nodes in your armpit, which helps your healthcare team to decide on any further treatment.

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Chest wall perforator flap breast reconstruction

A CWPF breast reconstruction is an operation to remove cancer and recreate a breast shape at the same time.

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Why am I spotting between periods? Plus 9 other female health questions answered

healthdirect’s Chief Medical Officer answers how to handle the symptoms of endometriosis and bleeding between your periods, plus other questions.

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Excision biopsy of a breast lump

An excision biopsy involves removing a lump from your breast. It can help prevent an unsightly appearance and find out what is causing the lump. If the lump is causing you pain, you may get relief from the pain.

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Women's health

Learn more about health topics that concern women and their families, such as menopause, breast cancer, endometriosis and pregnancy.

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Bone cancer

Primary bone cancer, which begins in the bones, is rare. But many other cancers, such as lung or breast cancer, can then spread to the bones.

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Breast reduction

A breast reduction is an operation to maintain a natural shape of your breasts and imrpve symmetry with breast cancer surgery. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Oestrogen

Oestrogen is a female sex hormone with many roles, including controlling puberty and strengthening bones. But too much or too little can cause medical problems.

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Menopause medication

Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is medication to treat troublesome symptoms of menopause. Find out about types of MHT and their risks.

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Diethylstilboestrol (DES)

Follow the links below to find out more about diethylstilboestrol (DES), a synthetic form of oestrogen.

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Counterpart Navigator app

When you have questions about your cancer diagnosis, treatment or life after cancer, the Counterpart Navigator App offers reliable, up-to-date information on topics you may want to know about. Learn more here.

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Breast cysts

Breast cysts are benign bubbles of fluid in the breast. It’s important to know how to recognise them and what to look for if you suspect a lump is not benign.

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Breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap

A breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap is an operation to recreate a breast shape. You should consider the options carefully and have realistic expectations about the results.

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Cancer types

There are a number of different types of cancer. Find out about symptoms, treatment and how cancer can change the body.

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Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is the name for a number of hormone therapies that can be used to treat the symptoms of menopause.

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Breast augmentation (breast implants)

Women undergo breast implant surgery for many reasons. Learn about the procedure and the questions to ask.

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'Morning after' pill (emergency contraception pill)

The 'morning after' pill is a type of emergency contraception that can be used within a few days of unprotected sex. It shouldn’t be used as regular contraception.

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15 minutes of walking could reduce your risk of disease

Walking 15 minutes a day could reduce your risk of heart disease, dementia and some cancers, says the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.

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How to help someone who's having a stroke

One Australian has a stroke every 9 minutes. But the sooner they get treated, the better. Learn the 'F.A.S.T.' way to help a person having a stroke.

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Cancer treatments

Types of cancer treatment include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and ablation. Your treatment plan will depend on factors such as cancer type and stage.

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