Resolute. Emotional. Questioning. Panicked. Determined.
If you were told you had breast cancer, how would you feel?
The start of a cancer journey can prompt different feelings for different people, but the team of health professionals who wrap around West Moreton women during investigation, diagnosis, treatment and recovery are focused on ensuring one feeling is the same for all: Supported.
Compassion and clinical expertise are the winning combination that ensures women in the West Moreton region can access gold standard care for breast cancer.
Karen Miles, Dr Susan Bell, Melanie Hutton and Louise Doherty (pictured, clockwise, from top left) are among the tight-knit multi-disciplinary team at West Moreton Health who support women and men through breast cancer and ensure they never feel alone in their health journey.
READ MORE: Health partners unite to transform breast cancer care in West Moreton
McGrath Breast Care Nurse Karen Miles said West Moreton Health’s team of health professionals each played a connected role in the care of women and men at a challenging time and described it as a privilege to be able make a positive difference to their lives.
Routine breast screening remains the most effective tool in fighting cancer, as early detection leads to increased survival, increased treatment options and improved quality of life.
West Moreton Health’s Chief Radiographer Louise Doherty leads a small team of radiographers and image operators at BreastScreen Queensland – Ipswich Service who aim to take about 12,400 breast screens in West Moreton this financial year as part of their work to promote women’s health outcomes through early detection and screening.
She said people impacted by breast cancer were living longer, healthier lives, and the improving survival rate was mirrored by advances in technology.
“The five-year breast cancer survival rate has increased from 74 per cent in the ’80s to 91 per cent in 2012 – 2016,” Ms Doherty said.
“We are lucky to have a team of very skilled, dedicated people who really care about making screening a good experience for women in the West Moreton region.”
Surgeon Dr Susan Bell said the patient experience was further improved by a close relationship between BreastScreen and Ipswich Hospital that was unique to West Moreton.
Dr Bell is one of two dedicated breast surgeons at Ipswich Hospital who attend alternate weekly assessment clinics at BreastScreen to meet patients who have shown abnormalities in their imaging.
“Normally, patients with breast cancer meet their treating doctor for the first time when they attend the hospital to discuss a cancer diagnosis. In West Moreton, we have already established a connection with patients with a diagnosis as we have been involved in their care since their consultation at BreastScreen. By establishing a relationship with people during the screening assessment process, we can offer people better continuity of care and an improved patient experience as they feel more comfortable and familiar with their treating team,” Dr Bell said.
Dr Bell meets with patients diagnosed with breast cancer to discuss their treatment options and support needs, and performs surgeries including breast conserving surgery, oncoplastic breast surgery and mastectomies at Ipswich Hospital.
“Patients with breast cancer are part of a five-year surveillance program in the Specialist Outpatient Department to detect any recurrence, so with that ongoing relationship, they become part of the family here. It is amazing to witness the personal growth and bravery of patients as they move through their diagnosis and treatment, which can include some very difficult decisions to make,” Dr Bell said.
It is a sentiment echoed by McGrath Breast Care Nurse Karen Miles and Breast Cancer Care Coordinator Melanie Hutton, who develop an intimate understanding of the personal needs and impacts of cancer as they help guide patients through their health journey.
Ms Miles said a breast care nurse provided a central point of contact for patients throughout the breast cancer journey, and was there to answer questions, provide access to information and liaise with the treating teams to coordinate care.
“I will see them first at diagnosis and through surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and beyond,” Ms Miles said.
“Having breast cancer is like a rollercoaster. What a breast cancer nurse does is make those big ups and downs as level as possible. I’m not going to take out every high and low – of course not – but I can certainly make it better.”
Ms Hutton said educating people about their treatment and its potential side-effects – and coordinating appointments – helped people overcome their worries and better understand the complexities of the health system.
“Education and information are big parts of being able to empower people to make decisions about their health and stay connected,” Mr Hutton said.
“I act as the central point of contact for people throughout their treatment and make sure they are connecting with the right people at the right time to progress their care needs.”
How to get involved in Breast Cancer Awareness Month and support the West Moreton Breast Cancer Research Project:
- Donate money or buy Go Pink merchandise, including T-shirts, tote bags, scrub caps and healthy pink dog treats
- Pre-order pink macarons from Mama Mac’s Macarons or mystery pink ice-cream from Ungermann Brothers, and go into the draw to win free ice cream for three months by guessing the mystery flavour
- Dress up and Go Pink on 23 October.
- For more information, visit https://www.ihfoundation.org.au/breastcancer/
Breast screening service at Ipswich Hospital:
The BreastScreen mobile van will be at Ipswich Hospital in the East St entrance carpark from 12 - 16 October. Early morning, after hours and walk in appointments are available. A breast screen is recommended for women aged 50-74, every 2 years. Women aged 40-49 and 75+ are also eligible. To book, call 13 20 50 or visit http://www.breastscreen.qld.gov.au