Breast Cancer FAQ's
At SWBC we offer a comprehensive breast cancer service with the aim of providing high quality care and taking the stress out of this difficult time.
We have a General surgeon who specialises in breast cancer management and a plastic and reconstruction surgeon who provide a complete breast reconstruction service. This is supported by our breast reconstruction nurse and coordinator who work closely with local oncology teams and breast care nurses to provide a high level of care.
We have a General surgeon who specialises in breast cancer management and a plastic and reconstruction surgeon who provide a complete breast reconstruction service. This is supported by our breast reconstruction nurse and coordinator who work closely with local oncology teams and breast care nurses to provide a high level of care.
Yes, you need to get a referral from your GP. Once sent SWBC will contact you to book an appointment time.
A consultation with our General Surgeon is $200 for an initial consultation ($76.80 rebate from Medicare) and $160 for review ($38.60). Concession rates available.
Consultations are held at the Southwest Breast Clinic, which is located at Suite 13 within the St John of God Hospital building. Please enter through the Hospitals main entrance and follow directions.
Surgery may take place at either Southwest Healthcare, ifpublic, or St John of God, if you have private cover.
Surgery waiting times vary greatly in public health system but will be done urgently, usually within 4 weeks in the case of breast cancer diagnosis.
Surgery as a private patient can be booked at a time of your convenience that aligns with your surgeon’s operating schedule.
Surgery waiting times vary greatly in public health system but will be done urgently, usually within 4 weeks in the case of breast cancer diagnosis.
Surgery as a private patient can be booked at a time of your convenience that aligns with your surgeon’s operating schedule.
After your consultation with a your General Surgeon and/or Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, if it is decided that you will require surgery, you will see one of the secretaries who will provide you with information regarding any out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-pocket costs depend on the type of procedure, your level of private health cover and if the procedure has a Medicare item number.
We strongly advise that any private patients check with their insurance company that their level of cover covers the procedure.
If you elect to have surgery as a public patient you will be placed on the waiting list at the public hospital of your choice. There will be no out of pocket cost for this surgery,however, you will be required to wait for your surgery in line with government guidelines.
Out-of-pocket costs depend on the type of procedure, your level of private health cover and if the procedure has a Medicare item number.
We strongly advise that any private patients check with their insurance company that their level of cover covers the procedure.
If you elect to have surgery as a public patient you will be placed on the waiting list at the public hospital of your choice. There will be no out of pocket cost for this surgery,however, you will be required to wait for your surgery in line with government guidelines.
Your initial consultation will be with our General Surgeon, Mr Scholtz Wiggett. Surgical options will be discussed and you will be offered an appointment with Mr Robert Toma to discuss breast reconstruction options if required.
Yes, you are encouraged to bring another adult with you to appointments as this is a stressful time and the information can be overwhelming.
This will depend on the type of surgery you have.
If you have a lumpectomy the surgeon will endeavour to make the size and shape of the breast as aesthetically pleasing as possible but there may still be a size difference and / or deformity.
If you have a mastectomy this involves removal of the whole breast. Breast reconstruction will be offered with the aim to match the remaining breast as much as possible. The remaining breast may need to be reduced or lifted to assist in this process.
If you have a lumpectomy the surgeon will endeavour to make the size and shape of the breast as aesthetically pleasing as possible but there may still be a size difference and / or deformity.
If you have a mastectomy this involves removal of the whole breast. Breast reconstruction will be offered with the aim to match the remaining breast as much as possible. The remaining breast may need to be reduced or lifted to assist in this process.
Pain is a very individual thing and varies from person to person. Some people report only minimal surgical pain. You will be prescribed an appropriate analgesia, fitted with a support garment and seen by a physiotherapist post surgery.
No, this is a personal choice. It is important to thoroughly discuss the options with your medical team so you can make the best decision for you.
Generally, yes. Most breast reconstruction involves a staged process requiring several surgeries. The timeline and process will be fully discussed by your Breast Reconstruction Surgeon.
This will depend on your treatment plan which will be devised by your surgeon and Oncologist (if required).
Yes, there are a number of options available and the Plastic surgeon will discuss these with you.
This will depend greatly on the type of reconstruction you have and at what stage the process is at.
If an expander is used initially to stretch the skin this will feel tight and uncomfortable.
Implants usually feel soft and comfortable but you will have reduced sensation and your nipple will have been removed.
Autologous (DIEP/TRAM) reconstructions will feel like a normal breast but also have altered sensation.
Nipples can be reconstructed but will not have the same sensitivity as a normal nipple.
This varies depending on the type of surgery and whether you are having a reconstruction.
- Lumpectomy 1-2 days
- Mastectomy 3-5 days
- Implants 1-2 days
- Autologous (DIEP/TRAM) 5-7 days
This will also depend on the type of surgery and whether you have a reconstruction.
Generally, you will only require 1-2 weeks for a lumpectomy but would require 3-4 weeks for a mastectomy.
If you have a reconstruction, you will also require a number of follow up appts that would require time away from work.
Comprehensive information should have been provided in the referral from your GP, but it does not hurt to bring a copy of this as well as the results of any scans or investigations, if available.
You should also bring a copy of your medicare card, any applicable concession or private health insurance cards and a list of questions you might have.