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Breast cancer

Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Symptoms may include a lump in the breast, discharge from the nipple or changes in how the breast or nipple looks.
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Key takeaways

  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in Australia.
  • A safe X-ray called a mammogram is used to detect cancer.
  • If you notice any unusual changes with your breasts, see your doctor.
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What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is an abnormal growth of cells in the breast. There are different types of breast cancer, but they all start in the milk ducts or milk-producing glands. The cancer may grow into surrounding tissue and spread to other organs in the body.

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in Australia. About one woman in every 8 is diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 85. But many more women in Australia die of heart disease and stroke compared with breast cancer.

Breast cancer risk factors

Many breast cancer risk factors can’t be changed, such as your family history of breast cancer. But a healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk for breast cancer. For example:

  • maintain a healthy weight range
  • avoid drinking alcohol
  • don’t smoke.

You can read more about the risk factors by visiting the following websites:

You can also learn about your individual risk by using the risk calculator on the iPrevent page of the Peter Mac website.

If you are concerned about your risk for breast cancer, talk to your doctor.

Breast self-checks and cancer screening

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