Forum Discussion

pamgraham's avatar
pamgraham
Member
10 years ago

chucked out

Hi,

I've had breast cancer twice and the second one was a grade three triple negative. This year it will be five years after the second cancer and I get chucked out of the public hospital system in New Zealand - they call it signed off. Then there is just the usual monitoring for all women of a mammogram every two years. Can anyone tell me what happens in Australia after five years in the public system as I am an Australian citizen. The guidelines in NZ say a mammogram every year for women who have had breast cancer. Thanks 

1 Reply

  • Lisa_BCNA's avatar
    Lisa_BCNA
    Member
    10 years ago


    Hi Pam,

    It’s Lisa from the Policy Team. It's great that you posted on the Online Network as it can be a really good place to get support, and other women may jump in to share their experiences of follow-up care.

    In Australia, women’s follow-up schedules will be recommended by their clinicians, but after five years, it is most likely that women will have yearly appointments. Recently, a new model of follow-up care has been developed called ‘shared care’. This model is being taken up by some hospitals. Under this model, women are referred to their GP, instead of their specialist for regular follow-up appointments. If any symptoms or issues are found, GPs are able to refer women back to their specialists through quick processes.

    If you are interested in finding out more about the shared care model, information is available on the Cancer Australia website here.

    Warm regards,
    Lisa