Above & Beyond
Wellbeing recommendations from the BCRC-WA staff
Above & Beyond is a series designed to offer insights and recommendations from BCRC-WA staff aimed at improving your well-being and accompanying you on your journey.
UPFRONT about Breast Cancer Podcast
Gaining support while going through a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is an important part of well-being. Women often find it helpful to know that they are not alone and to find out how other people have managed challenges that arise through treatment.
One resource that our psychologists recommend is the Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) website, and in particular, a podcast by psychologist, Dr Charlotte Tottman called Upfront About Breast Cancer, What You Don’t Know Until You Do.
Charlotte discusses the impact of her own diagnosis of breast cancer and many of the common difficulties that women navigate. It’s a useful resource to offer to partners, friends and family who may want to understand more about the experience. Of course, please keep in mind that the advice is not specific to your situation and not all of it will apply to you.
The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud.
What is offered at BCRC-WA?
For women who would like more assistance with psychological well-being, BCRC-WA offers a bulk-billed clinical psychology service to patients of the Perth Breast Cancer Institute.
Our psychologists can assist with a range of issues including managing uncertainty and worry, the impact on family and children, coping with treatment side effects, sexuality and body image concerns, coping with losses, and feelings of social disconnection. We also have evidence-based programs for coping with the fear of cancer recurrence or spread and for the management of hot flushes.
If you’re interested in learning more about additional well-being options available at BCRC-WA, please have a conversation with your breast care nurse.
Recommended by:
Mary Scott
BCRC-WA Clinical Psychologist
Francoise Ballantyne
BCRC-WA Clinical Psychologist
The information and content provided on this page is intended for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your medical team for advice on anything covered in this article.
Learn More
You can find the UPFRONT about Breast Cancer Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify and Soundcloud. Visit the BCNA website for more info.