| Types of Support Services We have grouped support services into the categories
and sub-categories listed below. If you click on any underlined
area of interest you will find a description
of that particular type of support.
Accommodation You may need to have your treatment away from where you live and require accommodation for yourself and your family. Once you know where you are going for treatment, ask your Breast Care Nurse (BCN) or Social Worker whether the treatment center can provide suitable accommodation or can assist you in finding it. Some motels and hotels near the major hospitals provide cheaper rates for people receiving treatment at the hospital, ring Cancer HelpLine on 13 11 20 for more information. Also, there is financial support available for accommodation for which you may be eligible. For further information refer to Financial Services.
Breast Care Nurse (BCN) The Breast Care Nurse (BCN) supports both you and your family in making an informed treatment decision relating to your needs and family circumstances. The Breast Care Nurse will also:
Body Image Women react in different ways to their breast treatment. Some may worry about how they are going to look after their surgery, others about the effects of chemotherapy on their appearance. If you have any concerns about your appearance either after surgery or treatment you may find it helpful to talk to someone who has been through the same sort of experience or a professional counsellor. For further information refer to Cancer Support Groups and Phone Support. Breast prosthesis If you have had a mastectomy (full breast removal) or lumpectomy (a large area of breast removed) you may like to consider wearing a breast form. A breast form is a piece of material shaped to look like part of, or all of your breast. Also known as a breast prosthesis, it helps give your chest a natural shape so that the surgery to your breast is not noticeable whilst you are wearing clothes or swimming costumes. There are many types of breast form available. When you leave the hospital you may be given a temporary breast form to use until post surgery swelling has reduced. Your Breast Care Nurse (BCN) will also be able to provide you with details about where to go to purchase a prosthesis and how to access available funding. All prostheses are provided and fitted by retail outlets. Funding assistance is available towards the cost of the first breast prosthesis for women treated in a public hospital. Private patients may apply for funding assistance through their private health care extras fund (after purchasing) or through the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (before purchasing). For further information refer to Financial Services. Wigs / headgear If you need to have chemotherapy as part of your treatment you may experience hair loss or thinning. Some women choose to wear a variety of hats or a wig at this time, or simply restyle their hair. In the colder months it is especially important to keep your head warm. Talk to your hairdresser, Chemotherapy Nurse or Breast Care Nurse (BCN) about your choices. There are a range of free hats and turbans available at treatment centers and through your Breast Care Nurse. Patterns are also available. Wigs and headgear can be purchased at retail outlets. Some expenses associated with purchasing wigs and headgear may be recoverable if you have private health insurance extras or through the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program. For further information refer to Financial Services. Lingerie/clothing and makeup There are retail outlets which provide lingerie and clothing suitable for a woman with breast cancer. Bra prosthesis pockets can be purchased or patterns are available for making your own modifications. Look Good Feel Better is an organization which helps women to feel better about how they look during treatment by providing advice about makeup and general appearance. Sessions are available in the Loddon Mallee region.
BreastScreen BreastScreen is a national service providing free, two-yearly, mammographic screening for:
Whilst women aged 40 years and over may self refer to BreastScreen,
women aged 50 years and over are contacted and invited to attend.
Cancer Support Groups Many women diagnosed with breast cancer find it helpful to talk about their feelings and might find comfort in a cancer support group. There are several such cancer support groups in the Loddon Mallee Region who meet regularly to share support and information and provide practical advice and assistance. Some of these networks are breast cancer specific. There are also support services offered by consumer organizations. These organizations are either state or nationally based and have been formed to represent the interests of women with breast cancer.
Carers' support A partner, family member or friend may be a woman's main source of support and care outside her breast cancer medical treatment team. Caring for someone with cancer can be a fulfilling experience. However, it is sometimes difficult and the carer may experience many different emotions as the woman with breast cancer goes through the many stages of her illness. The carer may in turn require support and information. The Breast Care Nurse (BCN) is a valuable source of such information and they can also appropriately refer to relevant support services. These services include:
Chemotherapy Nurse The Chemotherapy Nurse assists in administering the chemotherapy treatment as prescribed by the Medical Oncologist. They also provide information and support during the treatment phase.
Community Health Services Community Health Services are non-profit, community based organizations which provide a variety of health and support services to anyone with a need. Their services may include:
Charges may apply in some instances and are based on a client's
ability to pay.
Complementary Therapies You may wish to explore complimentary therapies whilst undertaking treatment for breast cancer. Some therapies such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, Chinese medicine, naturopathy and osteopathy may be useful in helping you cope during your treatment phase. However, there are a number of unproven therapy options available and some of these may be harmful, especially when combined with traditional medical treatments. For more information and written material about unproven cancer remedies contact the Cancer Information Service on 13 11 20. If you are taking, or thinking of taking, any medications or herbal preparations it is important to inform your treating clinician. Most doctors will understand your need to seek additional opinions about your disease and its treatment. For further information refer to The Cancer Council's "Complementary Therapies". See also Relaxation and Exercise.
Education Courses There are courses available for the woman with breast cancer and her family. They are usually not specifically for women with breast cancer, but offer support and information to all cancer patients. For information on courses outside the Loddon Mallee area contact the Cancer Information Service on 13 11 20.
Family and Partner Support The partner, children and friends of a woman with breast cancer may have difficulty in dealing with a cancer diagnosis and feel confused about the best way to provide her with support. They themselves may need support throughout this time. You can ask your Breast Care Nurse (BCN) for their help or you can access the counselling support services available in the community. Many of these support services offer phone counselling. The Queensland Cancer Fund has produced a guide for the partners of women with breast cancer called "A guide for the partners of women with breast cancer - how to help". Find out how to access this booklet in our Resources / Booklets section. There is also specific Carers' Support offered in the region.
Financial Services During the course of your treatment it may be necessary for you or a family member to seek advice on financial matters. Your accountant or financial advisor will be able to provide such advice. If you require financial assistance during your illness there are a number of services which may be able to assist. A Social Worker is a good source of information on such services. In Victoria people can apply for financial assistance for travel and accommodation through the Victorian Patient Transport Assistance Scheme (VPTAS). VPTAS provides reimbursement to rural people for some of the costs for travel and accommodation incurred when traveling away from home for specialist services. There are specific requirements a patient needs to meet in order to receive this financial assistance. Also, in Victoria you can apply for financial assistance under the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program (VA&EP) for:
Carers may be eligible for
financial support through Government support at Centrelink.
General Practitioner The General Practitioner (GP) is an important support for a woman with breast cancer. Your medical treatment team and Breast Care Nurse (BCN) should regularly update and consult with your GP. The GP is usually aware of your past medical history and should be kept well informed about your current treatment and care. This enables the GP to accurately assess and meet your needs in relation to other medical and psychosocial issues that might arise during and following your treatment.
Genetic Counselling The majority of breast cancers are not considered to be inherited (9 out of every 10 breast cancers are NOT hereditary). If your family has a strong disposition to breast cancer you may wish to discuss this with your doctor and ask for a referral to a Genetic Counsellor (a scientist trained in explaining inherited conditions). A Genetic Counsellor will provide advice to those with a strong disposition to breast cancer, including risk in regard to other family members. To be eligible to visit a Genetic Counsellor a woman must first satisfy certain eligibility criteria regarding degree of disposition. Genetic testing can also be done to show an inherited breast cancer although this is a lengthy process and is not always recommended by the Genetic Counsellor. The National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) has produced a “Breast Cancer and Family History” information booklet which provides up to date information including:
For further information refer to Better Health Channel's "Cancer and Hereditary: latest research".
Home Nursing Throughout your treatment and recovery time there may be occasions when you need home nursing. You may be discharged from hospital early with a drain tube in place and need to be visited daily by a nurse. This will be arranged through a referral by one of your medical treatment team at the hospital. After discharge you may also need the services of a nurse. It may be for wound care, or for long term treatment needs and support. This is arranged by contacting your Breast Care Nurse (BCN), GP or one of your medical treatment team. There are also private nursing companies that can provide home nursing for a fee.
Home Support As a result of your treatment you may find that you experience difficulties at home. There are a number of support services to assist you. Local Councils Local councils offer many services within the community including support services within the home. Contact your local council to find out about possible services offered in your area such as childcare, home help, meals on wheels and community cars. Home / living aids and home modifications Women with breast cancer may find that their life could be enhanced through a range of home and living aids, allowing them to better manage everyday requirements. You will find services offering living aids such as seat belt cushioning, home alterations such as hand rails and home aids such as shower seats. The Occupational Therapist or Palliative Care team can assess your needs and even arrange for alterations or home aids to be provided. You may be able to receive financial assistance with these items through the VA&EP program. For further information refer to Financial Services. Childcare You may still have young children at home. This can be an extra burden when you are receiving and recovering from your treatment. There are services available that provide low or no cost childcare with trained workers. Home help/meals There are home help services which provide assistance with housework and general day to day needs. It may also be possible to get some meals provided. Respite care Respite care services are designed to provide rest and support for people with a chronic or disabling illness. Either the woman with breast cancer or the carer may need some "time out" during this time. Support such as day care, supported accommodation or support in your home may be available. This will depend on the particular Respite Service, and your individual needs. Many Palliative Care services are able to visit you in your home and provide valuable information and support for people with long term treatment needs or a life threatening illness. Talk to your local hospital Social Worker or your Breast Care Nurse (BCN) about other services and your eligibility to access them, or try contacting your local Council or Community Health Centre for advice.
Legal Services During the course of your treatment and recovery you may have legal concerns about matters such as terms of employment, your will, guardianship for children, Enduring Power of Attorney or insurance. Either consult your family solicitor or seek information from one of the service providers listed in the Directory of Support Services. For further information refer to The Cancer Council's "Cancer: Legal Rights and Responsibilities".
Lymphoedema Management For information refer to Lymphoedema. Some expenses associated with purchasing lymphoedema compression aids may be refundable if you have private health extras insurance or through the Victorian Aids and Equipment Program. For further information refer to Financial Services.
Medical Oncologist A Medical Oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer using chemotherapy. They advise about the need for chemotherapy and other drugs that help in treating your cancer. The Medical Oncologist works with other health care professionals in a multi-disciplinary team. Not all women with breast cancer need chemotherapy.
Mental Health Understandably a significant number of women with breast cancer experience some form of anxiety or depression at some time during their breast cancer journey. If you are having difficulty coping it may be helpful to talk to your GP about being prescribed some medication such as an anti depressant. You may find phone counselling helpful. Your doctor or Breast Care Nurse (BCN) may recommend a referral to a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist according to your needs. There are also Cancer Support Groups and Phone Support available. It may be that you just need some time out, the sort of quality time you have on a retreat or holiday, either on your own or with your family. It is possible to arrange retreats / holidays, some with a financial subsidy.
Men with Breast Cancer Male breast cancer represents less than 1% of all diagnosed breast cancers. Many of the resources produced for women are also relevant for men with breast cancer.
Multicultural Services If you know you will have difficulty fully understanding your medical treatment team, particularly when they are discussing your treatment options, then you need to highlight this in your first consultation. There are interpreting services which provide interpreters to assist you at medical appointments. Also, some literature and phone support is offered in different languages. In our Support Services Directory we highlight this service when provided. If you have cultural needs it is important to raise these with the appropriate member of your medical treatment team so that they can offer you a treatment pathway that is appropriate. You may also wish to discuss your needs with a member of an ethnic support service.
Nutrition / Dietitian What you eat is especially important when you are having treatment for breast cancer. With a well balanced and varied diet you will have more energy, improve your body's ability to heal and to fight infection, tolerate your treatment with fewer side effects and maintain your weight at an appropriate level. Sometimes though, the side effects of your treatment may affect your appetite. At such a time the most important thing is to keep up your food intake, so you should eat whatever it is that appeals to you. If you are thinking about making a dramatic change to your diet, examine your choices closely and discuss them with your GP or dietitian before making your decision. A Dietician is specially trained in the science of food and nutrition. For further information refer to The Cancer Council's "Eating Well".
Occupational Therapist Women with breast cancer may find that their life at home could be enhanced, allowing them to better manage everyday requirements. If you are in this position, the Occupational Therapist can assess your needs and arrange for alterations or home aids to be provided (such as handrails or shower seat). You may need a referral from your GP or Breast Care Nurse (BCN).
Palliative Care Palliative Care is a commonwealth funded health service which is currently provided free of charge. For further information about the services they provide and who
they provide them to refer to Palliative
Care.
Pathologist A Pathologist is a doctor who specialises in reading and reporting pathology outcomes. Pre-operatively, you may require some pathology tests as part of the investigation into your breast cancer and general health and well being. These tests are performed during a diagnostic procedure using ultra sound or x-ray guidance. You may also need to undergo a variety of blood tests. Following surgical treatment a sample of your breast tissue is sent to the pathology department where a Pathologist determines a diagnosis after thoroughly examining the breast tissue. The result is then conveyed to your breast surgeon. In order to monitor the progress of your treatment if may be necessary to undertake further tests.
Phone support A specific problem for rural or isolated women is being able to physically access support services. One way of dealing with this problem is to access the many telephone support services available. You can often do this for just the cost of a local call. Nurses, information officers or trained volunteers usually man these phones It is also possible to be linked to a volunteer who has had similar experiences to yourself.
Physiotherapist A Physiotherapist can help you overcome some of the physical effects of breast surgery. As a result of surgery your mobility may be affected, especially if scar tissue develops or you overprotect your shoulder movement. The hospital Physiotherapist will give you advise about exercise to help prevent these complications. Additionally, if you have had surgery to your armpit (axillary dissection) you need to pay attention to the prevention of lymphoedema of the arm (swelling). There are a range of exercises and other measures aimed at preventing lymphoedema which your hospital Physiotherapist will tell you about. Occasionally, after release from hospital, complications may arise needing the attention of a Physiotherapist. Your doctor or Breast Care Nurse (BCN) can arrange a referral if needed. For women who subsequently develop lymphoedema, there is a Lymphoedema Management program.
Radiation Oncologist A Radiation Oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer with radiotherapy. They work with other health care professionals in a multi-disciplinary team. Radiotherapy uses special kinds of radiation to kill tumour cells, usually x-rays or gamma rays. The technician who administers the radiotherapy treatment prescribed by the Radiation Oncologist is called a Radiation Therapist.
Radiologist A Radiologist is a doctor who specialises in reading x-rays and scans. As part of the investigation into your breast cancer and general health and well being, your doctor will refer you for some different types of x-rays. The most common ones include:
The Radiographer is the person responsible
for taking the x-ray.
Relaxation and Exercise During and after treatment many women find relaxation techniques to be helpful. They can feel calmer and more capable of thinking practically about their problems. Relaxation methods you could try include physical relaxation, meditation, massage, hypnotherapy, yoga or t'ai chi. The path to mental and physical well being after breast treatment can be assisted by involvement in an exercise or recovery program. It is important to inform your doctor if you intend to commence or resume exercise classes or any other fitness activity to ensure only suitable activities are undertaken. The Encore Program, an initiative of the YWCA, is a specific program designed to help women who have undergone breast cancer surgery at any time in their lives. It aims to restore mobility, flexibility and confidence through gentle pool and floor exercises. Exercise is also important in recovering from surgery to regain shoulder and arm movement. A Physiotherapist will advise you about this type of exercise. If you have had surgery to your armpit (axillary dissection) you may also need to use specific exercises to prevent arm swelling (Lymphoedema). Such exercise is an important part of Lymphoedema Management. For further information refer to The Cancer Council's "Take Control by Calming Down: body relaxation". See also Complementary Therapies.
Social Worker A Social Worker is specially trained to have a wide knowledge of support services. If you have particular issues such as financial, personal, family or employment, a Social Worker may be able to assist you with them.
Sources of Breast Cancer Information When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer she needs to have access to quality information in order to be able to make informed treatment choices. Also, many women feel that it is important for them to research deeply about their breast cancer and treatment. This information may come as written Resources such as booklets, books, research papers and internet websites. It may also be provided verbally by the Breast Care Nurse (BCN), your GP or members of your medical treatment team. Additionally, there are also a range of service providers who provide information. It is important to remember that not all information may be relevant to you. Treatment options will depend on the type and location of the cancer in your breast, and will be tailored to your individual circumstances. Ask your doctor or Breast Care Nurse (BCN) to clarify any queries you may have.
Surgeon A Surgeon is a doctor who specialises in surgery. Some surgeons take a particular interest in breast cancer. You will be referred to a Surgeon for advice about the management of your breast disease, which may include an operation on your breast (breast surgery) and armpit (axillary dissection). You may also wish to consider breast reconstruction. Breast reconstruction is the formation of a breast shape after a total mastectomy. You would be referred by your treatment surgeon to a plastic surgeon to discuss your options about breast reconstruction.
Transport If you do not have access to your own transport you may need to access volunteer or community based transport. To qualify for this service you may need to meet certain criteria or you may be required to contribute financially. If you need to travel long distances using your own transport, you may be eligible for assistance with transport costs under the VPTAS scheme. For further information refer to Financial Services.
Young Women's Support Younger women may have specific needs in relation to sexuality, relationships, fertility, menopause and survival. It may be helpful for younger women with breast cancer to join a support group specific to their needs.
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