“IT is important for everyone in the community to be breast aware. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate with age or gender,” said local McGrath breast care nurse, Sally Laurie, on the topic of breast cancer awareness month.
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“Breast cancer still remains a big issue in our community but breast cancer isn’t just found in women. Each year 100 men across Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer,” Ms Laurie said.
The more familiar you are with your breasts the easier it is to identify a change.
“Look in the mirror at the appearance and shape of your breasts including nipples. Look with both your hands by your sides and again with them raised above your head. Lurve your breasts by touching them, feeling from your collarbone to below the armpit, below the bra line and under your arm pit.
“Learn what’s normal for you in the shape and appearance; breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Women aged 40 years and over are encouraged to have a routine screening mammogram every two years through the free service offered by Breastscreen.
“The Breastscreen bus makes an annual trip to Moree to enable access for everyone in the community,” she said.
As a McGrath breast care nurse Ms Laurie is regularly involved with both the patient and their family throughout the entire breast cancer treatment period.
Breast care nurses provide information and education on the many confusing and technical aspects of breast cancer. They also co-ordinate appointments between the different medical specialists and provide emotional support to the patient and their family.
“The availability of a McGrath breast care nurse can alleviate some of the stress and trauma associated with the diagnosis,” Ms Laurie said.
“In conjunction with this part of my role involves an emphasis in breast awareness to young people in the community in conjunction with the McGrath Foundation’s Curve Lurve program,” she said.
In Moree specifically, those diagnosed with breast cancer are required to travel long distances for treatment.
“Our closest centre is Tamworth where surgical intervention, radiotherapy and some forms of chemotherapy are provided. In some instances this can be an 18-month treatment process. Thankfully Moree is lucky to have a dedicated chemotherapy unit where some treatments associated with breast cancer can be conducted close to home,” Ms Laurie said.