Extending care to women lay carers

Women represent 71% of the 474,600 primary lay carers in Australia. It is well documented that providing care for family members with a life threatening illness places a strain on the health and emotional wellbeing of the carer. Lay carers are rarely attentive to their own health needs due to lack of time and energy, and owing to feelings of guilt, they are unlikely to seek medial attention for preventive health concerns. This article presents four case studies that illustrate the tragic consequences of delayed review for self detected breast lumps which were proven to be breast cancer.