About breast cancer
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise awareness about breast cancer and its impacts on people affected by the disease in our community.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Australia. Over 20,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia each year. About 80% of breast cancer cases occur in people who are 50 years and over.
Breast awareness
Breast cancer can cause changes in your body and changes in how you feel. Every person’s body is different, so it is good to know what is normal for your body including the look and feel of your breasts.
Breast cancer can cause changes in your breasts, nipples, armpits and the skin in these areas.
The Victorian Government’s Better Health shares some helpful tips for checking your breasts at home:
- Use a mirror to get to know the usual look and shape of your breasts.
- Become familiar with how your breasts feel at different times of the month. You might find this easiest in the shower or bath, lying in bed, or getting dressed.
- Feel everything from your collarbone to under your breasts and under your armpit.
- Feel near the surface and deeper in the breast.
When checking, you are looking for any lumps, changes in your skin or nipples, changes in shape, unusual discharge or painful areas. Some of these symptoms can occur without any serious disease being present. Nine out of 10 breast changes are not breast cancer. However, just to be sure, your doctor should check any unusual breast change.
Breast screening
Some people have a regular test for breast cancer called a breast screen, also known as a mammogram. Breast screens can find cancers that are too small to see or feel.
If you are between 50 to 74 years, you need a breast screen every 2 years. Ask your doctor if you need a regular breast screen, if you don’t already have one.
BreastScreen Victoria provides a free, routine breast screening for women who are 50 to 74 years. For booking information, visit the BreastScreen Victoria .
Reviewed 30 September 2024