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Breast Cancer
More women survive breast cancer today thanks to earlier detection and better treatments. However, it is a common disease and the number of cases is rising. It is the most common cancer in women, making up 30% of all cancers in women. About 1 in 9 women will develop the disease by the time they are 80 years old, and around 80% of all detected breast cancers occur in women over 50.
Breast cancer is the third most common cause of cancer death.
Even if a woman has one or more relatives who have, or have had, breast
cancer, it does not necessarily mean that it runs in her family. There
are many different types of breast cancer, and are not due to a single
cause as there are many factors that affect your chances of developing
it. The same risk factors affect all women, whatever their family
history.
Breast cancer is a complex disease and there is no one agreed way of
treating it. A wide range of treatments are available but not all of
them will be right for every breast cancer.
The most important factor is to be breast aware, the earlier a breast
cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated, the better the chance of a
successful treatment. Always follow the 5-point breast awareness
code:
- Know what is normal for you
- Know what changes to look and feel for
- Look and feel
- Report any changes to your GP without delay
- Always attend routine breast screening if you are aged 40 or over
Breast cancer also occurs in men but at a considerably lower rate; for about every 140 women diagnosed, one man is also diagnosed with this disease.
Local Services on Offer
- Call the Helpline: 20044442 which will connect you to the Breast Cancer Care UK helpline, open: Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-2pm. (You can only make these calls from your landline, not your mobile, they will be charged at the local rate.)
There will be specialist nurses & trained helpliners at the end of the line able to answer all of your questions; they are there for support or for information, whether as a patient or a health professional.
(Please note they are not qualified to answer questions on treatment in Spain).
- One-to-One Peer Support: After having been diagnosed with breast cancer, many patients and their families want to talk to someone who has been in the same situation. We are willing and pleased to share our experiences; if you would like to talk to a peer on a one-to-one basis, please call 20044288 and leave your name and phone number on our voicemail, we will get back to you as soon as possible. You can also call us on 58008944.
We will always try to match your circumstances with someone who's been through a similar experience.
- Support Group: The breast cancer support group meets socially the last Thursday of every month at 8pm at the Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre. Do come along to meet with other women and share your experiences; participate in our organised talks and events.
- Counselling Service: We can make a free appointment for you and your family with qualified counsellors.
- Website: Please visit our Website regularly www.breastcancergib.org for further information on what Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar can do for you and for our local events.
- Contact us by Email:info@breastcancergib.org, or call us on 58008944 or 20044288, where you can leave your name and number on the voicemail. We will get back to you as soon as possible and answer any of your queries.
- Other Websites A very useful website is www.breastcancercare.org.uk It offers high quality, accessible information on all aspects of breast care and cancer. You can join the website, and take part in the 'chat forums' and 'live chats' where you can chat with other women in a similar situation. You can also use the 'ask the nurse' email service, however they cannot answer questions regarding treatment in Spain.
- Another useful website is www.breastcancer.org an American website with more of a medical slant, including research news and pictures.
- Publications, Information & Talks: We can offer you a wide range of free breast care and breast cancer publications (Breast Cancer Care UK ones) and information. We will also be giving talks to different groups of women on how to be breast aware: we will always consult with professionals to provide answers to questions we are not able to answer ourselves.
As a member of the charity you can receive a free copy of 'Vita Magazine', the breast cancer magazine from Breast Cancer Care UK, packed with real-life stories, health & wellbeing features, top tips & expert advice
- Bras: Before having breast surgery, you can obtain a support bra for free at Mothercare, and a bra from M&S, please obtain a voucher from your surgeon or breast clinic nurse before your surgery. It is important to wear a non-wired, supportive bra for six to eight weeks post-surgery and afterwards, make sure you're fitted properly into the right bra.
- Prosthesis Service: We have temporary breast forms, partial silicon forms and silicon nipples for you. Please ask us, or the Breast Clinic, about them.
- Free Yoga Service : Free Yoga
Classes with Beginners group on Mondays at the Yoga Centre. If you
would like a special one-to-one yoga session, or are a pre-beginner
and would prefer not to join a fully-fledged class, please let us
know and we will arrange the free sessions for you on a Tuesday at
8pm at the Yoga Centre.
- Extras: Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar is here for, you for all your breast care needs, so please feel free to contact us if you require anything. E.g., we can arrange help with headscarves and make-up application if you are undergoing chemotherapy. If you would like to have your pigmentation/tattooing done in Gibraltar, once you have received the all clear from your doctor, we can make and pay for an appointment with a local tattoo artist for you/
GHA Services for You
- Breast Care Nurse: The GHA now
has a breast care nurse, Christine Gill, who is there for you for
all your needs throughout your medical journey. We meet with her
regularly to support her where we can.
- Breast Cancer Care Publications: Please ask your nurse or doctor for free publications on any aspect of breast cancer or care, they will serve to back-up any information they give you about your treatment and care.
- Post-surgery Exercises: While still in hospital, please ask your nurse or doctor to refer you to the Physiotherapy Department, they will give you some simple exercises to get your affected arm moving.
- Prosthesis Service: If you have had a mastectomy, please ask your doctor to refer you to the Physiotherapy Department where they will fit and order a permanent, silicon prosthesis for you.
- Psychological Support Services: If you feel the need for psychological support, your doctor can refer you to a GHA counsellor or psychologist.
- Lymphoedema Service: If you¡¯ve had lymph nodes removed, ask your nurse or doctor for advice and an information leaflet on how to avoid getting lymphoedema. Always remember not to have your blood pressure taken on your affected arm, or the skin punctured in any way.
If you think you are suffering from lymphoedema, first get it diagnosed by your doctor who will then refer you to the Breast Clinic or Physiotherapy Department for treatment.
Cancer Relief Services for You
- The Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre (run by the Gibraltar Society for Cancer Relief) also offers services for people with cancer and their families. These services include complementary therapies (reflexology & aromatherapy) and a drop-in centre, gym facilities and day care. Please call the Centre co-ordinator on 20042392 for more information.
If you wish, we can approach the Lady Williams Cancer Support Centre on your behalf and make any initial introductions and appointments for you.
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