This article will use the terms ‘men’ and ‘women’ which have historically been used to gender people. However, your gender identity may not align with your risk for breast cancer. We recommend you speak to your doctor to fully understand how breast cancer may affect you.

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow in an uncontrolled way and have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. They develop into a lump called a tumour. Breast cancer can develop at any age, but around 80% of new cases are detected in women aged 50 and over, with women aged 65-69 most affected.1

Fortunately, Australia has one of the best breast cancer survival rates in the world.2 The overall five-year survival rate is 91%. When the cancer is limited only to the breast, the five-year survival rate is 96%.3

Who is at risk of breast cancer?

Both men and women can get breast cancer, although it is uncommon in men. Transgender and gender-diverse people can also get breast cancer. 

Breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects Australian women.

Around 20,640 people are diagnosed with breast cancer each year — 20,428 women and 212 men.4 The lifetime risk of being diagnosed is 1 in 7 for women and 1 in 555 for men.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Symptoms of breast cancer depend on where the tumour is located, its size and how quickly it’s growing. Some people have no symptoms, and their cancer is detected through mammogram screening. However, typical symptoms of breast cancer include:5, 6 

• new lumps in the breast
• thickened tissue in the breast (especially on one side)
• change in shape or appearance of the breast
• change in shape or appearance of the nipple (e.g. redness, crusting, sores or inverted nipple)
• dimpling of the skin
• nipple discharge
• discomfort or swelling in the armpit
• ongoing breast pain not related to your menstrual cycle.

Symptoms of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women.7

Types of breast cancer 

There are many types of breast cancer. Tumours can be:8

• non-invasive — contained in the milk ducts or lobules (milk-producing glands)
• invasive — spread beyond the ducts and lobules and into surrounding tissues.

There are different types of non-invasive and invasive breast cancers. There are also rare types of breast cancer such as:

• inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget’s disease of the nipple
• Phyllodes tumour
• Metaplastic breast cancer

What causes breast cancer 

There is no one cause of breast cancer but many factors increase your risk. Some lifestyle factors are associated with a higher risk, including:9 

• drinking alcohol
• being overweight
• a sedentary lifestyle
• smoking.

Other risk factors include:10

• increasing age
• family history of breast cancer
• previous diagnosis of breast cancer
• history of some non-cancerous breast conditions
• inheriting gene variants in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2
• being exposed to female hormones (natural or administered — transgender women taking medication to lower male hormones and boost female hormones may have an increased risk)
• starting your period before 12 years of age.

How is breast cancer diagnosed? 

Several tests are used to diagnose breast cancer. These are often referred to as ‘the triple test’ and include:11

• family history and physical breast examination
• imaging tests including mammogram (a low dose x-ray that can find changes that are too small to be felt during a physical examination) or ultrasound (if a mammogram picks up a change in tissue you may have an ultrasound).
• biopsy (taking a sample of tissue and testing them for signs of cancer).

If breast cancer is found, you may be referred for other scans to determine the stage of your breast cancer.

How is breast cancer treated?

Treatment for breast cancer will depend on its stage but it may involve one, or a combination of:

• surgery — to remove a tumour, the breast and/or lymph nodes under the arm. Breast reconstruction surgery may also be an option to restore breast shape.
• Chemotherapy – uses anti-cancer drugs to help destroy cancer cells. It may be used in addition to surgery and radiation therapy
• radiation therapy (radiotherapy) – uses x-rays to destroy cancer cells, can also be used to reduce the size of the cancer, and to relieve pain or other symptoms.
• hormone therapy – may be used if the cancer cells are responsive to hormones. This therapy aims to slow or stop the growth of the hormone receptor cells.
• targeted therapy
• palliative care (designed to reduce cancer symptoms instead of curing the disease).

What are the stages of breast cancer?

The stage of breast cancer is based on its size and the extent that it has spread to other parts of the body. Staging cancer helps your specialists determine the best way to treat it. It’s usually expressed on a scale of 0 to IV.12

Stage 0

abnormal cells are present but contained in the milk ducts or lobules

Stage I and II

early breast cancer that has spread from the milk ducts or lobes, but is contained within the breast

Stage III

locally advanced cancer that:

• may be larger than 5 cm
• may have spread to lymph nodes
• may have spread to tissues around the breast (e.g. skin, muscle or rib)

Stage IV

advanced metastatic breast cancer which has spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body, often bones, liver, lung or brain.

Complications of breast cancer

Early detection of breast cancer provides the best outcomes and chance for survival. However, sometimes breast cancer can’t be successfully treated, and can be fatal. 

Breast cancer treatment can also lead to complications. These may include:13

• lymphoedema — this is swelling and pain in the arm, shoulder and upper body as a result of removing lymph nodes
• early menopause — some cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and hormone therapy can lead to menopause
• anxiety and depression — these are common conditions in women with breast cancer.

What can you do?

Detecting breast cancer while it is small and still contained in the breast offers the best chance of successfully treating it. Recommendations for detecting breast cancer early include:

Being breast aware

Be familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts. There is no right or wrong way to do this, but you may like to do this in the shower, in the mirror or when you get dressed. Remember to include all parts of your breast, armpits and up to your collarbone.14 If you notice any changes, be sure to see your doctor.

Note: there is no evidence that one way of self-examination is better than another. There is also no quality evidence that clinical breast examination is effective in reducing breast cancer deaths.15

Regular screening mammograms

Regular screening mammograms are the best early detection method available, and most beneficial for women aged 50-69.16 In Australia, women aged 50-74 are invited for free screening mammograms every two years through BreastScreen Australia.

Women aged 40-49 are also eligible to participate but don’t receive an invitation to attend. Women under 40 aren’t usually offered mammograms as their breast tissue is usually denser making it hard to detect cancer.

If you have a strong history of breast or ovarian cancer you should speak to your doctor about the best ways to detect breast cancer. Some women may need to have mammograms more regularly than every two years, and some may need them before the age of 40.17

How to prevent breast cancer

There is no way to completely prevent breast cancer. Making healthy lifestyle choices (e.g. maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and lowering alcohol consumption) can reduce your risk of cancer.

Some people who are at high risk may benefit from hormone treatments. For people in a high-risk category due to genetic variants, a preventative mastectomy (removal of the breasts) may be appropriate. Your doctor can provide more information.

When should you see your doctor?

If you’re concerned about your risk for breast cancer or have a strong family history, you should speak to your doctor. They will be able to advise the best early detection methods for you. You should also see your doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts or signs of breast cancer listed above.

Sources

1Breast Cancer Network Australia, Understanding breast cancer, https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/ 

2Breast Cancer Network Australia, Understanding breast cancer, https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/ 

3Cancer Council, Breast Cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

4Breast Cancer Network Australia, Understanding breast cancer, https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/ 

5Cancer Council, Breast Cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

6Cancer Australia, What are the symptoms of breast cancer?, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/symptoms-and-diagnosis/what-are-symptoms-breast-cancer

7Healthdirect, Breast cancer, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-cancer

8National Breast Cancer Foundation, Types of breast cancer,  https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis/types-of-breast-cancer/

9Healthdirect, Breast cancer, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-cancer

10Cancer Council, Breast Cancer, https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer

11Cancer Australia, Tests for breast cancer, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tests-breast-cancer

12National Breast Cancer Foundation, Stages & Types of Breast Cancer, https://nbcf.org.au/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis/stages-of-breast-cancer/

13Healthdirect, Breast cancer, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-cancer

14Breast Cancer Network Australia, Breast awareness, https://www.bcna.org.au/breast-health-awareness/breast-awareness/

15Cancer Australia, Early detection of breast cancer position statement, revised 2015, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/early-detection-breast-cancer

16Cancer Australia, Early detection of breast cancer position statement, revised 2015, https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/resources/position-statements/early-detection-breast-cancer

17Healthdirect, Breast cancer, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/breast-cancer 

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Disclaimer

General advice only – this information should not replace the information provided to you by your health care professional. If symptoms are severe or persist, please speak to your health care professional. Information current as of date of publishing.