WARNING FOR NEW MUMS

OLDER mums are urged to be vigilant about breast changes in pregnancy and breastfeeding, with a breast cancer expert warning those over 35 are six times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease.

Mater surgeon Carissa Phillips says pregnancy and breastfeeding creates changes to the body but women shouldn’t dismiss lumps, skin puckering and the like as a normal part of motherhood.

Brisbane mum and architect Kymme Davey, 36, was diagnosed with breast cancer 35 weeks into her pregnancy after dismissing a grape-sized lump in one of her breasts as a blocked milk duct.

“I was in total shock … my preparation to go on maternity leave turned quickly to sick leave,” she said.

Dr Phillips, who was Mrs Davey’s doctor, developed an individualised care plan for Mrs Davey that involved her baby being born safely.