First things first: what is breast cancer?

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast (often in the milk ducts or lobules) start to grow abnormally and unchecked. Some breast cancers remain local, while others may spread (or ‘metastasise’) to nearby lymph nodes, or even further afield.

Breast cancers are diverse: they differ by hormone receptor status, growth rate, and behaviour. That’s why treatment should be tailored to each patient.

Why breast awareness matters, and what it really means

Awareness isn’t about panicking or checking your breasts every hour. It’s about knowing what’s normal for you, being alert to changes, and acting when something seems ‘off’, or ‘not quite right’.

Cancer Australia describes breast awareness as understanding how your breasts usually look and feel, and watching for change. Family Planning NSW also encourages women to get familiar with their breasts and to see a doctor if anything unusual arises.

Even if you participate in regular breast cancer screening (e.g. a mammogram every two years), awareness is still important, because breast cancer can develop between scheduled mammograms.

What changes should prompt you to see your doctor?

Here are common red flags to watch for (in one or both breasts):

• A new lump or firm area, especially if it feels different from surrounding tissue
• Increased lumpiness or thickening, particularly in one area
• Change in size, shape or symmetry of your breast
• Skin changes: dimpling, puckering, redness, “orange-peel” texture (‘peau d’orange‘)
• Nipple changes: inversion (turning inward), crusting, rash, ulceration, or spontaneous discharge (especially blood-stained)
• Persistent unexplained pain in one spot, or discomfort not linked to your menstrual cycle
• Swelling or fullness in the armpit, or enlarged lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

If you notice any of these changes, don’t wait. Make an appointment with your GP or breast specialist. Early evaluation gives you more options.

Screening in Australia: who, how, and when

Screening is an important tool in detecting breast cancer before symptoms appear. But it’s not perfect, and it doesn’t replace vigilance.

BreastScreen Victoria

In most states and territories, women aged 50 – 74yo are pro-actively encouraged to attend a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Australia. Women aged between 40 – 50yo can ask to commence screening if they would like to, but are not proactively invited to do so.

You can make your own appointment, without a GP referral, using the BreastScreen Victoria website.

Mammography can detect cancers before they’re felt, improving chances of early treatment and better outcomes. However, mammograms do have some limitations and nuances, as follows:

• Mammograms are less sensitive in dense breast tissue, which often occurs in younger women
• Some cancers develop between scheduled screens
• Screening is not recommended in women at average risk under 40yo in most settings
• For women at higher risk (family history, known mutations, or significant risk factors), screening may begin earlier or use additional imaging (MRI, ultrasound). Discuss your personal risk with your specialist.

Risk Factors: what increases your chance of breast cancer?

Knowing risk factors helps put things in perspective: most women will not develop breast cancer, but awareness helps guide decisions and monitoring.

Key risk factors include:

• Increasing age (most cancers occur over age 50)
• Sex: being female (though men can also get breast cancer)
• Family history / genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2, other hereditary syndromes)
• Personal history of breast abnormalities or cancer
• Hormonal exposures: early menstruation (< 12yo), late menopause (> 55yo), menopausal hormone therapy, dense breast tissue
• Lifestyle and modifiable factors: alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, lack of physical activity, radiation exposure, smoking cigarettes

While you can’t control all risk factors, adopting healthy habits and screening where indicated can help mitigate risk.

What happens when a suspicious change is found?

If your GP or breast specialist finds something concerning, here’s the typical path forward:

• Clinical exam and imaging: mammogram, ultrasound (and sometimes tomosynthesis)
• Biopsy: needle sampling (core or fine needle) to examine cells under the microscope
• Staging investigations: to see whether cancer has spread (lymph nodes, sometimes CT or MRI)
• Multidisciplinary review and shared decision-making, involving your breast surgeon, oncologist, radiologist, nurse, and possibly geneticist
• Treatment planning, which may include surgery, radiotherapy, and / or systemic therapy (hormonal, chemotherapy, targeted therapy) depending on tumour type and stage

Australia has well-established guidelines to ensure equitable, high-quality breast cancer care across states.

Survival, and why it’s worth being proactive

The good news is that survival from breast cancer has improved markedly over the years. In Australia, 5-year relative survival now exceeds 90% for many early-stage breast cancers.

However, more diagnoses each year also mean more lives affected. Current data show around 58 Australians each day are diagnosed with breast cancer.

The earlier a breast cancer is found, the better the chances of less invasive treatment, better outcomes, and more options. Awareness + screening = better outcomes!

What can you actually do (beyond worry)?

Here are practical steps:

• Be breast aware: gently check your breasts periodically in the shower/mirror/clothes-on. Notice what feels “normal” for you
• In the 50 – 74yo age group, get your free mammogram through BreastScreen  Victoria every two years
• Fund your health: don’t delay if you notice changes
• Share awareness: encourage friends, family, and community to be breast aware
• If you have a family history or are higher risk, discuss earlier screening or additional imaging with a specialist
• Adopt healthy lifestyle habits: maintain a healthy weight, limit alcohol, stay active, and avoid smoking

Final Word

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is more than pink ribbons: it’s about empowerment, education, and action. As a surgeon, I see how fear often holds people back from seeking help. But in many cases, early detection opens the door to more options, less aggressive treatment, and better quality of life.

If you notice any new breast changes (no matter how small), please see your GP or breast specialist. Early evaluation is not overkill; it’s smart care. The Maven Centre team is here to support you with respect, clarity, and expertise.

Together, through awareness and early action, we can shift outcomes, so that more people catch breast cancer early, survive, and thrive.