Breast Cancer – Don’t assume you’re past it

With Breast Surgeon Dr Mary Ling

Dame Maggie Smith was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 73 and Blanche D’Alpuget, wife of former Prime Minister Bob Hawke, at age 76. Older women may assume they are ‘past’ breast cancer because they are no longer invited for breast screening – but breast cancer is still the most common cancer in older women. derive active oestrogen from

Here are 3 things older women should know about breast cancer.

1A LUMP IS NOT THE ONLY SIGN 1 in 6 women with breast cancer present with symptoms other than a lump. Older women are less aware of the non-lump warning signs of breast cancer, which can lead to delay in seeking help. Non-lump signs include nipple discharge important that you check your breasts regularly so that you can notice

that occurs without squeezing, a ‘sunken’ nipple and dimpling or ‘orange-peel’ appearance of breast skin.

2SCREENING AFTER 75? YOUR CHOICE There is no hard-and-fast rule for breast screening after the age of 75. Women in good health may wish to continue with biennial screening mammograms or be monitored through clinical or selfbreast examinations. Whereas, women with serious health issues may decide to your armpit and from the bottom of your breast to your

screening is not a priority, as it may pick up cancers that might never cause symptoms. Discuss with your doctor about a personalised screening plan based on your current health.

3WATCH THE MENOPAUSE WEIGHT GAIN Obesity is an established risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. Research shows a 39% increase in the risk of hormone receptor-positive breast weight women. Why? Postmenopausal women fat tissue, with obese women having higher levels of oestrogen. However, it is not all bad news, as a modest 5% weight loss can significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer.

How do I perform a breast self-exam?

There is no right or wrong way to perform a breast self-exam. It is more changes from the normal look and feel of your breasts.

MIRROR CHECK Inspect your breasts with arms by your side, behind your head and then hands on hips. At each step, look for any dimpling of the skin or pulling in of the nipple, as well as any changes in shape, size or colour of your breast (including your nipple).

LYING DOWN CHECK Lying on your back helps flatten your breast tissue, making breasts easier to examine. Use the pads of your three middle fingers moving around the entire breast in a circular pattern. Cover the entire breast area from your breastbone cancer in obese compared with normal

collarbone. Feel for any lumps or thickened areas.

SHOWER CHECK Lather fingers with soap and use the same technique as Lying Down Check.

Dr Mary Ling Breast & General Surgeon

Rapid Access Appointments within 48 hours for patients with new diagnosis of breast cancer

Suite 6 /16 Hills Street, Gosford & 4321 0302

Gosford Private Hospital, Brisbane Waters Private Hospital,

Tuggerah Lakes Private Hospital www.drmaryling.com.au @drmaryling

AMEX and cash payment changes for customers

To help slow the spread of COVID-19 we have made our customer service points cashless to eliminate the handling of notes and coins. Cheque, EFTPOS, Mastercard and Visa options continue at these locations. Cash payments can continue to be made at Australia Post and Westpac branches. The use of AMEX is also no longer available at any Council venues and facilities. If you have any questions, want to know where your closest Customer Service point is, or would like help on how to make a payment online, please contact us on 1300 463 954.

For more information contact Central Coast Council P 1300 463 954 W centralcoast.nsw.gov.au

Do you need to make a decision on moving to Aged Care?

Our services include:

• Aged Care Facility Negotiations • Centrelink & DVA Maximisation • Family Home options

• Aged Care Fee Minimisation • Cashflow Analysis We are fortunate to live in a country where longevity is becoming increasingly the norm, however, not everyone will be able to continue to live independently – many will need to access residential aged care services. The Government has acknowledged the growing demand for these services and is introducing many changes to the aged care system, including a greater focus on user pays. To help clients understand the complexities and substantial costs of aged care, we are able to offer specialist advice in this important area. To help you plan ahead, we can talk you through the care options available to you, the costs associated with them and the best way to restructure your finances to pay for the appropriate care. Getting the right information and advice now will help you make the best choices for your future care, security and happiness.

Contact us today!

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tbaagedcare.com.au Aged Care Financial Planning

Marty and Megan Bowden first started making ready-made meals to help one of Marty’s personal training clients eat well whilst training. That client loved it and told another client, then the ladies at the gym found out and wanted to know what they were missing out on too. The word quickly spread and what was a little side hustle turned in to Activate Foods as we know it today.

Activate Foods, who produce healthy and delicious ready-made meals, is the culmination of 2 passions for Marty and Megan – eating well and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Head Chef Marty, a chef of 24 years, made a career change in 2011 to be a personal trainer. A choice that indulged his passion of physical activity that, funnily enough, lead him straight back in to the kitchen. He quickly realised that people were ignoring the vital key to a healthy lifestyle – their nutrition. Whilst it was easy for him to prepare interesting meals quickly, it

wasn’t as easy for someone with less experience or little interest in cooking.

They officially started Activate Foods in 2016 working from a commercial kitchen in Somersby and operating entirely online. They soon outgrew that space and moved to a larger and more central location of 222 The Entrance Rd Erina, in the iconic Caesars Coffee Building. Here they have been able to expand their offering and provide a retail store for customers to come in and purchase meals in person. They deliver over the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney every week on a Monday.

Activate Foods has a range of healthy and delicious ready-made meals including Beef and Red Wine served with mashed sweet potato and broccoli, Moroccan Lamb with brown rice and roast pumpkin tossed with parsley and Chicken, Bacon and Potato Salad. There are fresh and frozen options and all meals are single serve. All products are gluten free and they have vegan & vegetarian options available too.

Everything is made from scratch, using natural ingredients and skill to create delicious flavours. With over 40 meal varieties available at one time, you’re spoilt for choice.

You can order online at activatefoods.com.au for a Monday delivery or drop in to the Erina store – 7 days a week. www.activatefoods.com.au 222 The Entrance Rd, Erina 2250 OPENING HOURS: Mon-Fri: 6am-1pm Sat: 6am-11am Sun: 6am-12pm