Breast:
Health Awareness

Know Your Breast

Being familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts is one of the most important things you can do for your breast health. This is sometimes called “breast awareness.”

What is breast awareness?

In Australia, the emphasis is on knowing your normal rather than following a rigid, routine self-examination technique. Every woman's breasts are different, and they can change at various times - during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause.

How to be breast aware:

• Look at and feel your breasts regularly - in the shower, when dressing, or looking in the mirror.
• Get to know how your breasts normally look and feel throughout the month.
• There is no special technique or set schedule required - simply be familiar with your body.
• Notice any changes and have them checked by your doctor without delay.

Getting to know your breasts - a simple approach:

While Australian guidelines no longer promote a formal step-by-step self-examination on a fixed schedule, many women find it helpful to check their breasts in a consistent way. Here is a simple method to help you become familiar with your normal:

• Look: Stand in front of a mirror with your arms by your sides, then raise them above your head. Look for any changes in size, shape, skin or the nipples.
• Feel - standing: Using the flat pads of your fingers (not the tips), gently feel across your whole breast, up into your armpit and up to your collarbone. Use a firm, smooth pressure.
• Feel - lying down: Lie down and repeat the process. This spreads the breast tissue more evenly and can make it easier to feel changes.
• Check the nipples: Gently check for any discharge, changes in direction, or changes to the skin.
• When to check: If you still have periods, the best time is a few days after your period ends, when your breasts are least likely to be tender or lumpy.

Imaging your breasts in your 40s:

Your 40s are an important time to start thinking about breast screening. In Australia:

• You are eligible for free mammograms from age 40 through BreastScreen Australia, although the program does not send routine invitations until age 50. This means women aged 40-49 can choose to attend but need to book themselves in (call 13 20 50).
• Breast tissue is often denser in your 40s, which can make mammograms slightly harder to read. Dense tissue appears white on a mammogram, as can some cancers. If you have dense breasts, your doctor may discuss whether additional imaging (such as an ultrasound) is appropriate for you.
• Talk to your GP about your personal risk. If you have a strong family history or other risk factors, your doctor may recommend starting mammograms earlier, screening more often, or having additional tests such as breast ultrasound or MRI.
• Screening mammograms are for women without symptoms. If you notice a breast change in your 40s - or at any age - see your GP promptly for a diagnostic assessment rather than waiting for a routine screen. This may include a mammogram, ultrasound and clinical examination.

Breast screening (BreastScreen Australia):

• A screening mammogram is a low-dose X-ray that can detect cancers too small to feel.
• Women aged 50-74 are actively invited to have a free mammogram every 2 years.
• Women aged 40-49 and 75+ are also eligible for free screening but are not routinely invited.
• Screening is for women without symptoms. If you notice a change, see your doctor rather than waiting for your next screen.

Know Your Risk

Understanding your risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your breast health. Most women who develop breast cancer have no family history, and being female and getting older are the biggest risk factors.

Factors that may increase risk:

• Increasing age
• Being female
• A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Inherited gene changes (such as BRCA1 or BRCA2)
• Previous breast cancer or certain benign breast conditions
• Starting periods early or menopause late
• Dense breast tissue

How to reduce your risk:

While some factors can't be changed, healthy lifestyle choices can help lower your risk:

• Limit alcohol - the less you drink, the lower your risk.
• Maintain a healthy weight, particularly after menopause.
• Be physically active - aim for regular exercise most days of the week.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruit and wholegrains.
• Breastfeed if you can, as this may offer some protection.
• Discuss the risks and benefits of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) with your doctor.

Know the Signs

Detecting breast cancer early gives the best chance of successful treatment. See your doctor promptly if you notice any of the following changes.

Signs and symptoms to look out for:

• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if only in one breast
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• Changes to the nipple - such as crusting, an ulcer, redness or the nipple turning inward
• Nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
• A change in the skin - such as dimpling, puckering or redness (like orange peel)
• An unusual pain that doesn't go away
• Swelling or discomfort in the armpit

Important to remember:

Know Your Choices

You have the right to make informed decisions about your breast health. Being proactive puts you in control.

Your choices include:

• Book a free mammogram through BreastScreen Australia (call 13 20 50) if you are eligible.
• See your GP if you notice any changes or have concerns - no change is too small to check.
• Talk to your doctor about your family history. If it's significant, you may be referred to a family cancer clinic or offered genetic counselling.
• Discuss additional screening if you are considered higher risk - this may include starting earlier or having more frequent checks.
• Make lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk.
• Ask questions. You are entitled to clear information and a second opinion if you wish.

Where to Get Help

• Your GP - your first point of contact for any concerns, symptoms and assessment
• BreastScreen Australia - 13 20 50
• Cancer Council - 13 11 20
• Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) - www.bcna.org.au