Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Breast cancer can be found in two ways. Screening for breast cancer in women with no breast symptoms currently consists of regular mammography. The aim is to find breast cancer before any lump or breast change is noticed, i.e. when the cancer is smaller.

Alternatively, you may find a breast lump, skin dimpling, nipple indrawing or nipple discharge.

However you present, you will be examined by a breast specialist. If you have not already had one, a mammogram and ultrasound will be organised.

A breast biopsy procedure will be performed. Under local anaesthetic, a needle removes small pieces of tissue from the area of concern. This tissue is examined by a pathologist at a laboratory elsewhere, and you will return to discuss the results with your breast specialist.

Receiving the results of these tests is stressful and we recommend you bring a support person with you.

Many women want to know everything about their breast cancer treatment as soon as they are given their breast cancer diagnosis. But your complete treatment cannot be finalised until the pathologist’s report after your surgery is available, as well as the results of any other tests you have had.

Then your case is discussed by a team of specialists, including surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, breast physicians and breast care nurses.

Once the team have discussed your results and given their advice on your future treatment, your specialists will discuss this with you and tailor the treatment for your particular needs. You should feel free to bring written questions with you to appointments as it can be difficult to remember all the questions you have.

We will also encourage you to see our psychologist, who can help you, your partner and your children with ways to cope with your breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.