Media release
17 July 2008
Australian women urged to be ‘breast aware’
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre is urging Australian women to be ‘breast aware’ and to report any changes in the look or feel of their breasts to their general practitioner without delay.
The advice comes as Australian women may be confused by new research from the Cochrane Collaboration showing no benefit in breast self-examination – a structured, taught approach to examining the breasts.
“What these studies show is that there is no benefit to being taught a specific technique to check your breasts,” said Director of National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre Dr Helen Zorbas.
“However, we know that more than half of all breast cancers are found as a result of a change in the look or feel of the breast, so it is vital that women know their bodies and see their GP without delay if they notice something new or unusual for them.
“Women can be ‘breast aware’ and get to know the normal look and feel of their breasts through everyday activities like showering, dressing or simply looking in the mirror.
“The fact that there is no right or wrong way to check your breasts is actually a very empowering message for women who may have been reluctant to check their breasts in the past for fear that they were doing it the wrong way,” said Dr Zorbas.
Breast changes to be aware of include:
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre is funded by the Australian Government and works with consumers, health professionals, cancer organisations, researchers and governments to improve health outcomes in breast and ovarian cancer.
Media contact: Bree Stevens 0438 209 833