Breast awareness
Breast cancer affects one in 9 women before the age of 85 years, and is the second most common cause of cancer-related death (after lung cancer) in Australian women. But early detection is a key factor that can boost your chances of surviving breast cancer.
For the early detection of breast cancer, the Cancer Council Australia recommends:
- Breast Awareness’ — being familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts;
- 2-yearly mammograms for all women aged 50-69, available through the BreastScreen Australia Program (a mammogram is a procedure that uses low-level X-rays to detect abnormal areas in the breast, and is one of the best methods of detecting breast cancer at an early stage); and
- reporting any unusual breast changes to your doctor immediately.
How to be ‘breast aware’
To aid your chances of early detection, be aware of changes in your breasts, such as changes to the shape of the breast or a nipple, scaly skin around the nipple, swelling, puckering or dimpling, discharge, persistent pain, or a lump. Make sure you visit your doctor as soon as possible if you detect changes like these. However, try not to worry if you do detect a change as breast changes are common, and in most cases will not be due to breast cancer.
The following suggestions may help you to become more familiar with your breasts.
- Get to know what your breasts normally look like by looking at your breasts in the mirror. Note the size and shape of both breasts.
- Feel your breasts from time to time, using the flat part of your fingers and your finger pads to feel near the surface and deeper in the breast. You might want to do this while in the shower or bath, before dressing, or when lying in bed.
- When feeling your breasts, don’t forget to feel from the collarbone to below the bra-line, and also under your armpits.
The most important thing is to use a technique that works for you — there is no right or wrong way to feel your breasts. Also, many women find that their breasts feel different at different times of their menstrual cycle, so keep this in mind if you are still having your periods.
Last Reviewed: 30 November 2009
- 1. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Breast Cancer in Australia. An overview, 2009. Canberra: AIHW; 2009. Available from: http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10852 (accessed Dec 2009).
2. Cancer Council Australia. Position statement: Early detection of breast cancer. May 2004 [updated June 2009]. Available from: http://www.cancer.org.au/File/PolicyPublications/Position_statements/PS-Early_detection_of_breast_cancer_reviewed_May04_updated_Jun09.pdf (accessed Dec 2009).
