Allied health care for early breast cancer

You may need help to manage some of the symptoms and side effects of breast cancer and treatment. Allied health professionals can help in different ways. These are people such as:

• physiotherapists
• exercise physiologists
• lymphoedema practitioners
• occupational therapists
• nutritionists and dietitians. 

We explain what each one does and how to find service providers.

Physiotherapist

A physiotherapist can help with:

• ways for you to exercise and stay active
• improving your muscle and bone strength
• managing lymphoedema (swelling in the arms or breast that may follow removal of, or damage to, the lymph nodes)
• helping you become mobile after a bone fracture
• breathing and coughing techniques

relieving pain without medication, or in combination with medication.

Ask your doctor or nurse if you haven’t yet seen a physiotherapist.

To find a physiotherapist near you, visit the Australian Physiotherapy Association.

Exercise physiologist

Accredited exercise physiologists specialise in exercise to prevent and manage chronic diseases and injuries. A ‘chronic’ disease is one that lasts longer than six months, including metastatic breast cancer.

Exercise physiologists work in a variety of settings such as private clinics and hospitals. They complete a four-year degree and are recognised by most private health insurers.

They can develop and supervise a safe, personalised exercise program that helps you:

• improve your muscle and bone strength
• reduce fatigue
• improve your general health and wellbeing.

To find an Accredited Exercise Physiologist visit Exercise & Sports Science Australia.

Lymphoedema practitioner

Lymphoedema practitioners focus on preventing and reducing the impact of lymphoedema.

Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists can all have special training to manage lymphoedema.

To help you manage signs and symptoms of lymphoedema, they may use a combination of therapies including:

• specialist massage
• compression garments and bandaging
• exercise therapy and other techniques.

They can also give you advice and teach you techniques to use at home.

Practitioners work in a variety of settings, including:

• public and private hospitals
• private clinics/practices.

To find a lymphoedema practitioner visit the Australasian Lymphology Association.

Psychologist

Psychologists can help you during metastatic breast cancer and the anxiety and depression that are common. 

Psychologists who specialise in supporting people with a cancer diagnosis are known as psycho-oncologists.

Find ways to access a psychologist at Psychology and counselling support.

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists help people improve their ability to do daily activities. They work with you to:

• assess what daily activities you need to do
• assess current limitations
• develop goals 
• develop strategies and therapies to improve independence in everyday tasks.

They can visit your home and may suggest:

• changes that make it easier and less tiring for you to manage day-to-day tasks
• home supports or equipment to help improve your quality of life.

If you think an occupational therapist could help you, talk to your GP. You can find an occupational therapist in your area through Occupational Therapy Australia.

Nutritionist or dietitian

A nutritionist or dietitian can help if your treatment is causing side effects such as:

• poor appetite
• nausea
• constipation.

They can assess your diet and give you advice on how to reduce any issues you are having.

Find an accredited practising dietitian at Dietitians Australia, as well as information about healthy eating and nutrition advice.

The costs to see allied health professionals

You may be eligible for some Medicare-subsidised appointments with a range of allied health professionals. Your GP can help with a Chronic Disease Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement. Once you have a plan in place, you can claim rebates for up to five visits each year to health professionals.

Even with a plan, there is often a gap to pay in the private system. Check with your private health insurer to find out what they cover.

Treatment in the public system is free of charge. 

Resources

BCNA Service Finder: services and support groups around Australia that may be useful when you have a metastatic breast cancer diagnosis. The services have been recommended by others and include:

• support groups for people living with metastatic disease
• exercise programs
• lymphoedema support
• information and resources.

Podcast: Money and the Australian healthcare system

Podcast: Communicating with your health professionals

Podcast: Ongoing and late side effects

Webcast: Integrative Health therapies