Early signs and symptoms may include:
- New lumps in breast or armpit
- Swelling or thickened areas in the breast
- Nipple or skin changes (dimpling, redness, flaking) in the breasts
- Changes in the breast size or shape
Family and genetic history
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Having family members with certain types of breast cancer, carrying genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, having dense breast tissue, starting your period early, or going through menopause late all increase your risk.
Pregnancy and hormone history
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Your risk increases if you had your first baby after age 30, never had children, didn't breastfeed, or used birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy for long periods.
Lifestyle
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Being inactive, carrying extra weight (especially after menopause), drinking alcohol, smoking, and exposure to certain chemicals such as pesticides may raise your risk.
Medical and work factors
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Previous cancer treatments, radiation therapy to the chest, working night shifts for many years, and taking certain long-term medications increase your breast cancer risk.
Myth No. 1
"Only women can get breast cancer."
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Fact
Though it is rare, men can develop breast cancer too. Less than 1% of breast cancer cases are men.
Myth No. 2
"A lump is the only symptom."
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Fact
In addition to lumps, breast cancer has other signs including skin changes in the breast, nipple discharge, and pain.
Myth No. 3
"Family history is the primary risk factor"
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Fact
Most breast cancer cases actually occur in individuals without a family history. Other risk factors include age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
Myth No. 4
"Mammograms are always accurate."
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Fact
Mammograms are essential for screening, but may not always be accurate. You might need additional tests like ultrasound, MRI or biopsy to confirm results.
Myth No. 5
"Breast cancer always requires a mastectomy."
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Fact
Breast cancer treatment typically involves surgery, but most patients will have a lumpectomy to remove the lump or tumour, not a mastectomy. Other options for treatment may also include radiation, chemotherapy and/or targeted therapeutics.
Myth No. 6
"Chemotherapy is the only systemic treatment."
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Fact
Systemic treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy (for example, HER2 inhibitors), and immunotherapy.
Myth No. 7
"All breast cancer patients respond similarly to treatment."
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Fact
Each person responds differently to treatments. It is important to personalise treatment for the best options and outcomes.
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Self screen regularly
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It's important to be familiar with your own breasts. Knowing how they look and feel can help you identify changes. If you notice anything concerning you should discuss with your doctor.
Visit Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) for instructions and a video on how to give yourself a self exam*.
*Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) is an independent patient organisation. The linked content is owned and developed by BCNA.
Physical exams at your GP appointments
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Your doctor or nurse may complete a clinical breast exam to feel for lumps or other changes during routine appointments.
Mammograms every 2 years for women 50+
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A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. BreastScreen Australia is government funded to provide free breast screens every 2 years. You will be invited to come in for a screen from age 50-74, but can self refer for a scan from age of 40 if you wish to commence screening earlier.
Other screening options
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A breast MRI or ultrasound can be done. These are less common but may be used if someone has dense breast tissue or is at a higher risk of having breast cancer.
FIRST
Breast exam by your doctor
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Your doctor will check for lumps or changes in breast tissue.
NEXT
Imaging tests
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You may have a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to look more closely at any changes.
THEN
Biopsy
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If needed, a small sample of tissue is taken to check for cancer cells.
LAST
Lab tests
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Tests help identify the cancer type and whether it has spread, guiding your treatment plan.
Common treatment options
Breast cancer can be treated in different ways. The treatment you get depends on the type of breast cancer and if it has spread. Common treatments include:
- Surgery: Removes the cancer from your body.
- Chemotherapy: Medicine that helps shrink or kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays (like X-rays) that kill cancer cells.
- Hormonal therapy: Blocks hormones that help cancer grow.
- Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.
- Targeted medicines: Go after specific cancer cells.
Your doctor will help you choose the best treatment for you. You might get more than one kind of treatment. Ask your doctor about any risks or side effects.