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| The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts. |
Cultural respect | This competency standard supports the recognition, protection and continued advancement of the inherent rights, cultures and traditions of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoplesIt recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people must include attention to physical, spiritual, cultural, emotional and social wellbeing, community capacity and governanceIts application must be culturally sensitive and supportive of traditional healing and health, knowledge and practices |
Community control | Community participation and control in decision-making is essential to all aspects of health work, and the role of the health worker is to support the community in this process |
Supervision | Supervision must be conducted in accordance with prevailing state/territory and organisation legislative and regulatory requirements References to supervision may include either direct or indirect supervision of work by more experienced workers, supervisors, managers or other health professionalsA person at this level should only be required to make decisions about clients within the organisation’s standard treatment protocols and associated guidelines |
Legislative requirement refers to: | Federal, state or territory legislation may impact on workers’ practices and responsibilities. Implementation of the competency standards should reflect the legislative framework in which a health worker operates. It is recognised that this may sometimes reduce the application of the Range of Variables in practice. However, assessment in the workplace or through simulation should address all essential skills and knowledge across the Range of VariablesAboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers may be required to operate in situations that do not constitute ‘usual practice’ due to lack of resources, remote locations and community needs. As a result, they may need to possess more competencies than described by ‘usual practice circumstances’ Under all circumstances, the employer must enable the worker to function within the prevailing legislative framework |
Signs and symptoms may include: | Change in the size or shape of the breastVhange in the skin of the breast, such as redness or dimplingVhanges to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversionLump or lumpiness in the breastNipple discharge that occurs without squeezingUnusual pain that doesn't go away |
Risk factors for breast cancer may include: | AffluenceBreast conditions, including a previous diagnosis of breast cancerFamily historyFemaleOlder age |
Practices for early detection must include: | Attending mammographic screening every two years Performing self-examination |
| Health promoting and risk reduction of developing breast cancer may include: | Alcohol reductionMaintain a healthy body weight Physically active for at least 30 minutes most days of the weekQuit smoking |
| Early breast cancer journey must include: | DiagnosisFollow-up careHospital based treatmentInvestigation of a breast symptom, the triple testPrevention and early detection |
Breast cancer diagnostic test must include: | Triple test: BiopsyBreast examinationImaging tests, including mammogram and/or ultrasound |
Breast cancer treatments which include: | Breast surgery, which may include:side effects from each type of breast surgerytypes of breast surgery Radiotherapy, which may include:definition of radiotherapyprocedure, including duration of radiotherapyside effects of radiotherapysituations where radiotherapy is likely to be recommendedChemotherapy, which may include: definition of chemotherapyprocedure, including duration of chemotherapy side effects of chemotherapysituations where chemotherapy is likely to be recommendedtypes of chemotherapy Hormonal therapies, which may include: definition of hormonal therapiesprocedure, including duration of hormonal therapies side effects of hormonal therapiessituations where hormonal therapies are likely to be recommendedtypes of hormonal therapies Targeted therapies, which may include:definition of targeted therapiesprocedure, including duration of targeted therapies side effects of targeted therapiessituations where targeted therapies are likely to be recommendedtypes of targeted therapies Breast prosthesis and breast reconstruction, which may include:definition of breast prosthesis main types of breast reconstruction |
Follow-up care which may include: | Breast imaging Encouraging adherence to long-term treatmentMonitor side effects of treatment Physical examinationProvide practical and emotional supportReview any further treatment needs |
Barriers to accessing cancer treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people which includes but not limited to: | Living in a remote areaIsolation from family and communityFamily responsibilitiesLack of understanding Lack of suitable culturally sensitive servicesAccess to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health workers |
Basic communication skills include: | Express empathyListen activelyRepeat and summarise important information |
Psychosocial issues facing people with cancer may include: | Emotional issues, including shame Psychological issues Physical issuesPractical needs:travel and time away from familyfinancial accommodation |
Higher risk of psychosocial distress may include: | Psychological issues requiring special treatment:AnxietyDepressionTraumatic symptomsDifficulties in relationships |