Smoking
As we all know, smoking increases the risk of developing many cancers and diseases, including breast cancer. Smoking from a young age can significantly increase the risk of breast cancer.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Although breast cancer doesn’t have a specific cause, there are some lifestyle factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer. These include:
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol may rise oestrogen levels in the body and is associated with a 30% to 50% increased risk of breast cancer.
Obesity
Being an unhealthy weight is associated with a 20% to 40% increased risk of breast cancer in post-menopausal women.
Family History
Women who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer, including parents and siblings, are twice as likely to get it than women without one.
Age
Unfortunately, the older you get, your cells become damaged and there is an increased risk they can turn cancerous.
Dense Breasts
Recent studies have shown women with more dense tissue in their breasts may have an increased risk of breast cancer as dense breasts makes screening more difficult.
Gene Mutations
Up to 1 in 10 breast cancers are due to family history of BRCA1, BRCA2 and other genetic mutations.
Knowing Your Breasts Could Save Your Life
Being breast aware is most important to detect any abnormalities in your breasts. By knowing your breasts and how they feel will help you detect any small or big changes that could be abnormal.
How to Self-Check
It’s important for you to become familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. When checking, use your first few fingers, feeling in a circular motion from your collarbone to below your bra-line and under your armpit too. Follow a pattern so you know you’ve covered the whole breast.
If you notice any changes, please consult with your GP.
Signs
The most important signs every woman needs to look for include:
- Is there any redness, soreness, swelling or rashes?
- Has your nipple changed position or become inverted?
- Is there any fluid leaking from one or both nipples? This can be watery or even blood stained
- Are your breasts their usual size, shape and colour?
- Is there any dimpling, puckering or bulging of the skin?
The national breast cancer screening program, BreastScreen Australia, aims to reduce morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. The program provides free 2-yearly screening mammograms to women 40 and over, and actively targets women aged 50–74, to detect unsuspected breast cancers in women who have no symptoms.
