Breast Cancer: a handbook for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

This handbook has been written to help health professionals support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with breast cancer. Increasing the understanding of breast cancer may help to encourage earlier investigation of symptoms, and contribute to the quality of life of people living with breast cancer.

This handbook has been written for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, Health Practitioners and Aboriginal Liaison Officers involved in the care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with breast cancer in community and clinical settings.

abdomen

The part of the body that includes the stomach (belly), intestine, liver, bladder, kidneys and other organs and lymph nodes. The abdomen is located between the ribs and hips.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is also called radiation. It uses X-rays to destroy cancer cells in one part of the body. The rays are high energy rays, like big rays of light. We can’t feel them and there is no pain. It is a common treatment for cancer. It works on the area of the body where the cancer is.

Most people who have radiotherapy have it 5 days a week for 4-6 weeks. Each session takes an hour or so. Doctors work it out to suit each different person and what they need.

Healthy living with and after cancer

After a cancer diagnosis and treatment, it can be helpful for your healing to have a healthy lifestyle.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures have a wonderful view of health – it means caring for mind, body,spirit and Country. There are lots of ways to care for health and your local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled health services will have information and activities.
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