If you have any of these you need to see your GP and consider  getting some imaging of your breast. Mammogram is usually the first thing we do, but if you are young, an ultrasound might be used first. Finally a biopsy may be done to get a tiny sample of the area to be looked at under the microscope by the pathologist to give an accurate diagnosis. This is called the Triple Test. There are  variations in the type of imaging, for example MRI of the breast or digital subtraction mammogram can be done, as well as variations in the type of   biopsy but the three pillars of examination, imaging and biopsy remain the same and are the gold standard for breast cancer diagnosis.

In 2020, there were 20,030 breast cancers in Australia. The 5 year survival is 92% and early diagnosis is key. Early diagnosis often gives you more surgical options and can reduce the number of treatments necessary to cure you.  It also increases the likelihood that you will be cured. As we come out of lockdown, there has never been a better time to get that mammogram.