Know your breast cancer risk: Tips for self-checks and prevention
Julia Smith
Julia Smith
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In this article
- Breast Cancer in Australia: 2024 Statistics
- Risk factors for breast cancer
- Does breastfeeding affect breast cancer risk?
- Breast cancer signs and symptoms to watch
- How to perform a breast self-examination
- Where and how to get your breasts checked in Australia
- Supporting each other: You’re not alone
- Wrapping it up
- Sources
Boobs are everywhere; big and small, more than half the population have them! While yes, boobs are notoriously ‘sexy’, they’re also incredibly practical for female-assigned bodies.
No matter what your breasts are like, breast cancer is an important health concern for Australians, affecting thousands of women each year. The good news is that with growing awareness, advancements in early detection, and support, there’s a lot of hope.
So we’re going to keep you ‘abreast’ of the situation. (We had to.)
Here’s what you need to know about breast cancer in Australia, from risk factors to how you can take charge of your breast health.
Breast Cancer in Australia: 2024 Statistics
In 2024, breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in Australia. It’s estimated that 20,973 new cases will be diagnosed this year. The average age of diagnosis is around 62 years, and the risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 85 is about 1 in 8 for women and 1 in 667 for men. Survival rates have been improving, with a current five-year survival rate of 92%.
However, it’s essential to remember that early detection plays a big role in these positive outcomes
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Risk factors for breast cancer
While it’s understood that there is a genetic component to many cases of Breast Cancer, this isn’t always true. As we learn more about the female body (not enough, but we’re getting there) it’s clear that there can be more to it.
Here are some known factors that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer:
- Age: The risk increases as you get older, especially after 50.
- Family history: Having close relatives with breast cancer may increase your risk.
- Genetic mutations: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are significant risk factors.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Prolonged use may slightly increase the risk. Speak with your doctor about this if you have concerns.
- Alcohol consumption: Regular drinking has been linked to higher risk.
- Obesity and lack of physical activity: Being overweight or inactive, particularly post-menopause, can raise your risk.
- Reproductive history: Early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after 55), and having children later in life or not at all can also affect your risk.
Does breastfeeding affect breast cancer risk?
Breastfeeding can actually help lower the risk of breast cancer.
Research indicates that women who breastfeed, especially for longer periods, may have a slightly reduced risk of developing breast cancer. This is because breastfeeding can delay the return of menstrual periods after childbirth, which lowers your lifetime exposure to hormones like estrogen that are linked to breast cancer risk.
In saying that, remember that while breastfeeding may offer some protection, it doesn’t eliminate the risk.
Breast cancer signs and symptoms to watch
When most people think of breast cancer symptoms, they often focus on lumps in the breast. But other, less well-known signs can also indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Here are five unusual or lesser-known symptoms to be aware of:
1. Dimpling or pitting of the breast skin
Sometimes referred to as “peau d’orange” (French for “orange peel skin”), this symptom appears as dimples or a pitted texture on the skin of the breast. It can be caused by underlying tumour growth that pulls the skin inward. It’s a subtle change that might be easy to overlook, but it’s important to get checked if noticed.
2. Itching, redness, or swelling
Persistent itching of the breast skin, along with redness or a rash, can sometimes indicate inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease. Unlike common rashes, this type of irritation won’t go away with typical treatments, so be sure to speak to your doctor if you have any of these concerns.
3. Nipple retraction or inversion
If your nipple, which normally protrudes, suddenly starts turning inward or appears to be pulled in, it could be a sign of a change behind the nipple area. This can be a subtle but important sign that something may be wrong.
4. Changes in breast shape or size
While slight changes can happen naturally throughout the menstrual cycle, noticeable and unexplained alterations in the shape or size of one breast (compared to the other) might point to an underlying issue. Sometimes, this change can happen even without the presence of a detectable lump.
5. Unusual nipple discharge
Discharge from the nipple, especially if it is clear, bloody, or occurs without squeezing, can be an early warning sign. While not all nipple discharge is a cause for concern, unexplained discharge should be evaluated, especially if it’s only coming from one breast.
How to perform a breast self-examination
Regular self-exams can help you get to know your breasts and spot any changes early. Despite being told from a young age to check our breasts, many women still don’t know how to do this properly.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Look in the mirror: With your shoulders straight and hands on your hips, check for visible changes in the shape, size, or colour of your breasts.
- Raise your arms: Lift your arms and look for the same changes.
- Check for discharge: Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any fluid discharge.
- Feel your breasts lying down: Use your right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Move your fingers in a circular motion, covering the entire breast from top to bottom and side to side.
- Feel your breasts standing up: You might find it easier to do this in the shower. Use the same circular motion to check your breasts.
Where and how to get your breasts checked in Australia
While getting a mammogram has been likened by some to having your boob squeezed in a fridge door, it’s super important in the long run.
For those over 40, you are eligible for a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Australia. Women aged 50 to 74 are actively encouraged to get regular screenings, as this is the age group where breast cancer risk is highest. Likewise, if you have a family history of breast cancer, you may be advised to screen from a younger age.
Screening helps detect breast cancer early, often before any symptoms appear, and early detection can improve treatment outcomes.
How to book an appointment
- Call BreastScreen Australia on 13 20 50.
- Book online through your state or territory’s BreastScreen service.
- Visit a local clinic: Mobile screening units are also available in many communities for easier access.
If you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, don’t wait for your next routine screening. Make an appointment with your GP who can guide you on the next steps, including referrals for additional tests.
Supporting each other: You’re not alone
Facing breast cancer, whether personally or through a loved one, is really overwhelming. To be frank, there aren’t always words for it.
Organisations like Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and Cancer Council Australia provide valuable resources, from information and emotional support to helping navigate treatment options.
Never hesitate to reach out and lean on these communities — they’re here to help.
Wrapping it up
Breast cancer affects so many Australians, but with regular screenings, self-awareness, and an understanding of risk factors, there is hope.
Stay abreast of the latest info, take care of your health, and know that you’re not alone in this journey. Reach out to BreastScreen Australia for more information, or talk to your GP about any concerns. Your health is so important.
Sources
Breast Cancer Network Australia, Risk factors, July 2023
Cancer Council, Breast Cancer, August 2024
Health Direct, Breast cancer, November 2023
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Julia Smith
Follow +Julia is a Sydney born-and-raised mum of three girls. With over twenty years in the media industry, including four years with parenting publishers, she’s passionate about creating entertaining content that connects with parents. When she’s not working or parenting, you’ll find her binge watching TV and revenge-procrastinating about bedtime… or nerding out at gigs...