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Breast awareness
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Breast awareness is important for women to notice changes to their breasts. It is important to become familiar with the normal look, feel and shape of your breasts so you will notice any abnormal changes. Most changes in breast tissue are not cancerous, but there are some changes to look out for that could be a sign of breast cancer.
There is no right or wrong way to feel your breasts – it is important to find a way that works for you. Women of all ages should be familiar with their breasts, but it becomes more important as you get older because the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
Changes in breast tissue
Any of the following breast changes should be reported to a doctor:
- Lumps or lumpiness
- Size changes
- Changes in breast shape
- Skin changes, such as puckering or dimpling
- Areas of thickened breast tissue
- Changes to the nipples, such as discharge or inversion (pulling in)
- Any area that feels different from the rest
- Any unusual or unexplained pain.
If you notice any abnormal changes to your breasts or the area around your breasts, including your armpits, see your doctor.
Know what’s normal for you
It is important to be familiar with the look and feel of your breasts and to know what is normal for you.
- Get to know the usual shape of your breasts by regularly looking in the mirror.
- Become familiar with the normal feel of your breasts at different times of the month. You might find this easiest in the shower or bath, lying in bed or getting dressed.
- Feel all the breast tissue, from the collar bone to below the bra line, and under the armpit.
- Use the pads of your fingers to feel near the surface and deeper in the breast.
See your doctor if you notice any unusual changes
If you notice any unusual breast changes, see your doctor. The earlier breast cancer is detected and treated, the better the chances of recovery. However, it is important to remember that most breast changes that women find are not cancer.
Some non-cancerous conditions that can cause breast lumps and thickenings include:
- Hormones – some women’s breasts become swollen and lumpy around the time of menstruation.
- Fibroadenomas – lumps made up of normal fibrous and glandular tissue.
- Cysts – small, fluid-filled sacs.
- Microcalcifications – spots of calcium salts.
- Radial scars – star-shaped abnormalities within the breast that form for unknown reasons. Radial scars are usually benign (not cancerous), but may contain cancer cells in some cases.
Screening
For women aged between 50 and 69, regular screening mammograms every two years are the best way to detect breast cancers. To book a mammogram, call BreastScreen on 13 20 50.
Male breast cancer
Breast cancer in men is rare, accounting for less than one per cent of all breast cancers and less than one per cent of all cancers in men. Male breast cancer is usually detected in men aged over 50 years.
Men who notice lumps or other changes in the breast area should see a doctor. Early detection can significantly improve recovery for male breast cancer. The prognosis for men with breast cancer is similar to that of women at the same stage of cancer.
Where to get help
Things to remember
- Be familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts.
- If you notice any abnormal changes to your breasts, it is important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
- Most changes in breast tissue are not cancerous.
- If you are a woman aged between 50 and 69, have a screening mammogram at BreastScreen every two years.
You might also be interested in:
Breast conditions other than breast cancer.
Breast screening.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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This page has been produced in consultation with, and approved by:
Cancer Council Victoria
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Copyight © 1999/2010 State of Victoria. Reproduced from the Better Health Channel (www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au) at no cost with permission of the Victorian Minister for Health. Unauthorised reproduction and other uses comprised in the copyright are prohibited without permission.
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This Better Health Channel fact sheet has passed through a rigorous approval process. For the latest updates and more information visit www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.
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Last updated: November 2009
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Breast awareness is important for women to notice changes to their breasts. Most breast changes are not cancer but should be checked by a doctor. Changes may include pain, lumps or lumpiness, size and shape changes, skin changes such as puckering or dimpling on the breast, and changes to nipples such as discharge or inversion (pulling in). ..
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Breast awareness - Better Health ChannelBreast awareness is important for women to notice changes to their breasts. Most breast changes are not cancer but should be checked by a doctor. Changes may include pain, lumps or lumpiness, size and shape changes, skin changes such as puckering or dimpling on the breast, and changes to nipples such as discharge or inversion (pulling in). ..
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The information published here was accurate at the time of publication and is not intended to take the place of medical advice. Please seek advice from a qualified health care professional.
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