|
The Breast Care Nurse is a registered nurse who has undertaken specialist training in breast cancer nursing and is part of the multidisciplinary health care team.
Who can access the services of the Breast Care Nurse?
Any person diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as their family or colleagues who need information and support .
Access to information after a breast cancer diagnosis
There are many different types of breast cancer and therefore different treatment options. After a diagnosis of breast cancer, finding accurate information can be difficult and confusing.
Preparing for, and undergoing treatment, may be a challenging experience. The Breast Care Nurse can provide you with information and practical advice before, during and after treatment
If you are required to travel for treatment, the Breast Care Nurse can provide you with information about the treatment centre you will be attending. Some treatment, such as radiation therapy, is not available in the NT.
Write down questions as they come to mind and take the list along to the next appointment with your doctor or health professional.
Early detection
The Cancer Council recommends all women over 50 have a mammogram
Women aged between 50 and 69 years are eligible for a free mammogram every two years
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Australian women, after non melanoma skin cancer
Early detection gives a better chance for successful treatment and survival
How the Breast Care Nurse can help
Provide a range of information about breast cancer Answer questions about breast cancer, surgery, treatment and related issues Attend doctors appointments with you
- Provide continuity of care
- Liaise with other members of the multidisciplinary health care team
- Practical support
- Referral to other services
- Information about prostheses and when to be fitted
- Qualified fitting of prostheses
- Information about reconstruction
- Look Good...Feel Better workshop referrals
- Information about breast cancer peer support group meetings
- Wig hire, turbans and advice about hair loss
- Advocacy
Peer support
Volunteers, trained by the Cancer Council NT, are available to give one on one peer support. The Breast Care Nurse can arrange peer support from someone who has experienced the breast cancer journey
Other useful sites include:
For Information call The Cancer Council Cancer Helpline 13 11 20
|
