Breast Cancer Treatment in Australia: Comprehensive Care at Burnside Hospital

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting Australian women, and early diagnosis, paired with access to quality care, can make a significant difference in outcomes. Across Australia, patients benefit from a multi-disciplinary approach to breast cancer treatment that combines surgery, medical therapies, and supportive care.

At Burnside Hospital in Adelaide, individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer receive care in a calm, respectful and supportive environment. The hospital’s not-for-profit model ensures that the focus remains firmly on patient wellbeing.

Breast Cancer in Australia: A Brief Overview

According to Cancer Australia, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, with increasing survival rates thanks to early detection and advances in treatment. While men can also develop breast cancer, it is far more prevalent among women.

Treatment approaches are typically tailored to the individual based on tumour type, stage, and personal health factors. This means no two treatment journeys are exactly alike.

Common Breast Cancer Treatments Available in Australia

Breast cancer treatment in Australia often involves a combination of therapies to target the cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence. These may include:

• Surgery: Surgical options may include lumpectomy (removal of the tumour and some surrounding tissue) or mastectomy (removal of the entire breast). Sentinel node biopsy or axillary node dissection may also be performed to check if the cancer has spread.

• Radiotherapy: Often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast or chest wall.

• Chemotherapy: Medications are used to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing, often given in cycles.

• Hormone Therapy: For hormone receptor-positive cancers, hormone-blocking treatments help reduce the chance of recurrence.

• Targeted Therapy: Certain treatments are designed to specifically target proteins or genes involved in the growth of cancer cells.

Each treatment plan is carefully developed in consultation with a multidisciplinary healthcare team, often including surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and breast care nurses.

Breast Care Services at Burnside Hospital

Burnside Hospital provides a dedicated breast care service to support individuals through every stage of their journey—from diagnosis through to recovery. The hospital collaborates closely with referring healthcare providers and offers:

• Purpose-built facilities designed for comfort and privacy

• Access to surgical procedures in a modern, fully equipped environment

• A team of compassionate healthcare professionals providing individualised care

• Day surgery and inpatient options to suit different treatment needs

In addition to surgical care, the hospital supports patients with coordination of post-operative rehabilitation and ongoing follow-up.

Holistic Support for Patients and Families

Breast cancer affects not just the body, but also the mind and emotions. That’s why Burnside Hospital places strong emphasis on compassionate communication and respectful care. Family involvement is encouraged, and support is available to help navigate the emotional, practical, and physical aspects of treatment.

Accessing Breast Cancer Treatment in Adelaide

If you or someone you care about is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, Burnside Hospital in Adelaide offers a warm and reassuring environment in which to receive care. Referrals from general practitioners or healthcare providers are usually required to access surgical services.