These shortages influences some women to opt for mastectomy instead of breast conservation plus radiotherapy. This decision is often made for pragmatic financial and social reasons. In rural and remote areas particularly, general practitioners play a key role in the diagnosis of breast cancer and in the ongoing management of women with breast cancer. If you travel away from home for treatment, it would help to take a friend or family member with you for support. It can be quite a strain, and having someone to talk to will help.
Most states have a travel and accommodation scheme.
Ask your doctor about the regulations governing these. There is little research about issues of diagnosis, treatment, psychological outcomes, communications, lifestyle and needs for women of Aboriginal or non-English speaking background. Cultural factors may contribute to some women feeling uncomfortable with male practitioners, with obvious implications for the quality of care. Research is needed in these areas. The views or opinions stated in external resources which are links on this home page do not necessarily reflect those of the National Breast Cancer Centre.