In Australia 1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. It is important that as women we get to know our breasts and what is normal for us. Feel your breasts from time to time and look at them in the mirror.
Be “Breast Aware” even when having regular mammograms.
Look out for the following changes:
- New lump/s (especially in one breast only)
- Change to the nipple such as crusting, ulcer, inversion or redness
- Nipple discharge
- Change in shape or size of your breast
- Unusual pain that doesn’t go away
- Change to the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
These changes are not always due to cancer but it is important to see your regular treating doctor to be sure
Many factors can influence your risk of breast cancer but some of the most important are:
- getting older – the risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- inheriting the gene that increases the risk
- a strong family history.
These factors cannot be changed but maintaining a healthy lifestyle will contribute to reducing your risk.
Free screening is available at BreastScreen WA for women aged 40+. If you are under the age of 40, you can still be breast aware.
For more information please visit:
https://www.breastscreen.health.wa.gov.au/
https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/breast-health/breast-cancer
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