Hi everyone, I am looking for some advise. I have been cancer free for the last four years and I am due to get my final check up in April this year. As I have just moved in November from Scotland I don't really know where to start. I made an appointment to see a GP, whom I found to be very pleasant but not too helpful. The GP said I could go see a specialist, get a mammogram then go back to see her or go see her first then get a referral. Can anyone tell me the best procedure, recommend a good specialist, tell me how much it costs etc? Any advise would be appreciated. Many Thanks

Hi @maggie101, First Congratulations on being cancer free for the last 4 years, that's excellent! So which area do you live in? This will help others who also live in that area assist you with either gp's or specialists in that area who are good. And yes you are correct gp first and then a referral for a mammogram or to Breast screen depending in if you have an implant. Breast screen provides the service through medicare (so if you have a medicare card it's free) and they are specialists in the breast cancer area so are a great service. Hope this helps and let us know how you get on. Xx

@socoda I was under the impression Breastscreen is only for those who haven't had cancer.

Hi Maggie101,It's Lisa from the Policy Team. I just wanted to jump in to let you know that in most states and territories in Australia, women affected breast cancer are now able to return to BreastScreen five years after diagnosis, and earlier in some states. It might be worth contacting a BreastScreen service in your state to talk about whether you may be able to receive a mammogram through BreastScreen. Though, to find a specialist who will be able to manage your follow up care in an ongoing way, you may like to get a referral from your GP to see a breast surgeon or breast physician, or a breast clinic in your area if there is one. Best wishes,Lisa

Thank you very much secoda, mira and lisa for your help. Very much appreciated. I live in the Rockingham area so I am sure I will be able to get a clinic no problem.Thank you Maggie

Hi @Mira, I was sent a letter from breast screen after I had mastectomy advising that I was able to return to them for my screening if I got a referral from my gp. I'm assuming that it is because I had a single mastectomy rather than a double. Probably is a case by case basis but it's only a phone call to find out and they are such a fantastic service ;) Xx Cath

Annual Check Up | Online Network

socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi @maggie101, First Congratulations on being cancer free for the last 4 years, that's excellent! So which area do you live in? This will help others who also live in that area assist you with either gp's or specialists in that area who are good. And yes you are correct gp first and then a referral for a mammogram or to Breast screen depending in if you have an implant. Breast screen provides the service through medicare (so if you have a medicare card it's free) and they are specialists in the breast cancer area so are a great service. Hope this helps and let us know how you get on. Xx
Mira
Member
9 years ago
@socoda I was under the impression Breastscreen is only for those who haven't had cancer.
Lisa_BCNA
Member
9 years ago
Hi Maggie101,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. I just wanted to jump in to let you know that in most states and territories in Australia, women affected breast cancer are now able to return to BreastScreen five years after diagnosis, and earlier in some states. It might be worth contacting a BreastScreen service in your state to talk about whether you may be able to receive a mammogram through BreastScreen.

Though, to find a specialist who will be able to manage your follow up care in an ongoing way, you may like to get a referral from your GP to see a breast surgeon or breast physician, or a breast clinic in your area if there is one.

Best wishes,
Lisa
maggie101
Member
9 years ago
Thank you very much secoda, mira and lisa for your help. Very much appreciated. I live in the Rockingham area so I am sure I will be able to get a clinic no problem.
Thank you
Maggie
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi @Mira, I was sent a letter from breast screen after I had mastectomy advising that I was able to return to them for my screening if I got a referral from my gp. I'm assuming that it is because I had a single mastectomy rather than a double. Probably is a case by case basis but it's only a phone call to find out and they are such a fantastic service ;) Xx Cath
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
I was told I couldn't return to Breastscreen after my mastectomy.
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
https://www.breastscreen.org.au/PDFs/BSV_Past_History_A4_Fact_Sheet_July_2015_V4_WEB.aspx
socoda
Member
9 years ago
Hi Christine @iserbrown maybe its different depending on which state you are in? My letter did not have a 5 year term mentioned in it either and it was only sent in the latter part of last year.
mum2jj
Member
9 years ago
Hi maggie101. My hairdresser moved here from the UK. Her GP referred her to a breast surgeon who oversaw her checkups etc.
hope this helps.
Paula xx
PS congrats on 4 years. Awesome xxx
iserbrown
Member
9 years ago
Hi Cath - here is a link to our site talking of this topic - it seems it depends which State you are in whether you can return to Breastscreen after the 5 year mark
https://www.bcna.org.au/about-us/advocacy/position-statements/breastscreen-australia/