If you have symptoms of breast cancer, your GP will take a full medical history, which will include your family history. They will also perform a physical examination, checking both your breasts as well as the lymph nodes under your arms and above your collarbone.
To find out if your breast change has been caused by cancer, your GP may arrange some tests, such as a mammogram and biopsy. They may also refer you to a specialist for these and other tests.
Learn more about:
| For an overview of what to expect during all stages of your cancer care, visit the Cancer Pathways Breast Cancer page. This is a short guide to what is recommended, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. |
Video: Cancer and common diagnostic tests
Prof Christobel Saunders, Professor of Surgical Oncology and Head, Division of Surgery, The University of Western Australia, and Consultant Surgeon, Royal Perth, Fiona Stanley and St John of God Subiaco Hospitals, WA; Dr Marie-Frances Burke, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Director, Genesis CancerCare Queensland, QLD; Kylie Campbell, Breast Care Nurse and Clinical Lead, Murraylands, McGrath Foundation, SA; Carmen Heathcote, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland, QLD; Annmaree Mitchell, Consumer; Sarah Pratt, Nurse Coordinator, Breast Service, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Dr Wendy Vincent, Breast Physician, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW, and Clinical Director BreastScreen NSW, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, NSW; A/Prof Nicholas Wilcken, Director of Medical Oncology, Westmead Hospital, and Co-ordinating Editor, Cochrane Breast Cancer Group, NSW. We also thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title. This booklet is funded through the generosity of the people of Australia.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
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