Breast Cancer Awareness Month: know what's normal for you
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The National Breast Cancer Foundation says 56 people in Australia are diagnosed with breast cancer every day. That number can feel overwhelming. The useful part is simpler. Finding breast cancer early means more treatment options and the best chance of survival.
So this month is a good prompt to think about two things. The first is knowing what is normal for your own body. The second is knowing when a screening mammogram is due.
Breast awareness is not a special technique
Cancer Australia says you don't need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts. Breast awareness simply means getting to know the normal look and feel of your breasts during everyday moments. That might be in the shower, while getting dressed, when putting on body lotion or just glancing in the mirror.
Knowing what is usual for you makes something new easier to notice. Cancer Australia says this matters at every age, even if you are already having regular mammograms.
Changes to look out for
Cancer Australia lists these breast changes:
a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it is only in one breast
a change in the size or shape of the breast
a change to the nipple, such as crusting, an ulcer, redness or the nipple turning inwards
a nipple discharge that happens without squeezing
a change in the skin of the breast, such as redness or dimpling
an unusual pain that doesn't go away
Most changes are not cancer
Cancer Australia says nine out of ten breast changes are not due to cancer. That is reassuring. It is not a reason to wait and see. If you notice a change that is unusual for you, see a GP without delay. Don't hold on to it until your next screening appointment.
Who the free screening mammogram is for
BreastScreen Australia offers free screening mammograms every two years for women who have no breast symptoms.
If you are aged 50 to 74, you are encouraged to have a free breast screen every two years. This is the age group where screening has the greatest potential to prevent deaths from breast cancer.
Women aged 40 to 49 and 75 and over are also eligible for free screening.
You can book directly with BreastScreen on 13 20 50. A screening mammogram is for people without symptoms. If you have noticed a change, start with a GP appointment instead.
Breast cancer in men
Breast cancer also affects some men. If you notice a lump or a change in your chest or nipple, the same advice applies. See a GP.
Talk to us
If you have noticed a change, please book an appointment. The same goes if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family and you would like to talk about what that means for you.
Call our team on 02 9528 5266. Call us Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 5:30pm and Friday 8:00am to 2:00pm. We are closed Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Source
Cancer Australia, Breast cancer awareness, last updated 14 July 2026: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/breast-cancer-awareness
Cancer Australia, What are the symptoms of breast cancer?, last updated 26 September 2024: https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/breast-cancer/what-are-symptoms-breast-cancer
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer Awareness Month: https://www.nbcf.org.au/breast-cancer-awareness-month/
Cancer Council Australia, Breast cancer, last updated September 2026: https://connect.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer
This article is general health information. It is not advice about your own circumstances.
