Know your breasts and chest
You can't spot a change in something you've never looked at.
Your breasts and chest can change with your menstrual cycle, age, weight, hormones and life stage. There is a wide range of normal, and getting familiar with your own body can help you notice changes. Any age is a good age to get to know your normal.
Getting to know your breasts and/or chest doesn't require a special technique or set routine. You can look and feel as part of everyday activities, such as showering or getting dressed. Becoming familiar with your body may help you notice a change and seek advice.
This is relevant to anyone with breast or chest tissue, including men. Every year, around 200 Australian men are diagnosed with breast cancer.
A lump isn't the only sign
- A new lump or thickening, including under the arm.
- A change in size or shape.
- Nipple discharge, or a nipple turning inward.
- Dimpling, puckering, redness or a rash.
- New pain that doesn’t go away.
- Swelling, or an area that feels different.
Where does screening fit in?
About 5–10% of breast cancers are associated with an inherited pathogenic variant, including, but not limited to, variants in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. These variants can be inherited from either parent. If a person carries a relevant variant, each biological child has a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of inheriting it.
Having a pathogenic variant (gene change) that increases cancer risk does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer.
Depending on your age, breast density, family history and any genetic test results, you may be advised to start breast screening earlier, or have additional screening, such as ultrasound and/or MRI. A GP or genetic counsellor can help assess your risk and discuss appropriate options.
Any age is the right age to have ‘the conversation’.
Start the conversation in your family. Ask about cancer in your biological relatives, on both sides. In particular, has there been:
- breast cancer, particularly diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- breast cancer in both breasts, or more than one breast cancer in the same person
- ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
- breast cancer in a man
- pancreatic cancer
- prostate cancer diagnosed at a younger age, that was high-grade/aggressive, or that had spread (metastatic disease)
- breast cancer together with ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer in the same person
- a known pathogenic variant (a gene change associated with increased cancer risk), such as in BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Jewish ancestry, which can be relevant to inherited cancer risk.
Your family history doesn't need to fit this list exactly to be worth discussing. If you're concerned about your family's cancer history, speak with your GP about whether a risk assessment or referral to a familial cancer service may be appropriate.
Know your new normal
Risk-reducing mastectomy can substantially reduce the risk of developing breast cancer, although some breast tissue may remain and the risk is not eliminated entirely. The amount of risk reduction depends on factors including the type of surgery and your individual circumstances. Your treating team can explain what this means for you and what follow-up is recommended.
Everyone’s experience after surgery is different. Whether you’ve had reconstruction, chosen a flat closure, or had a nipple-sparing procedure, your body and sensations may change over time. Scars and numbness may change too, and it can take time to feel at home in your new body.
Getting to know your new normal can help you recognise changes, but you don’t need to work out what is concerning on your own. Follow the surveillance and follow-up advice from your treating team, and ask them what changes to look out for and report. If you notice a new or concerning change, contact your healthcare team.
Know your prostate
Prostate health matters, but knowing when to get checked isn't always straightforward.
What every man needs to know.
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that often gets bigger with age. This is usually due to non-cancerous changes, but an enlarged prostate can also be a sign of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is common, with 1 in 5 Australian men diagnosed in their lifetime. It may cause no symptoms in its early stages, so you can’t rely on how you feel to know whether you have prostate cancer. Knowing your risk and talking with your GP about whether testing is right for you can help you make informed decisions.
A PSA test is a blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen. It can help indicate whether prostate cancer needs to be considered and whether further investigation may be appropriate. It cannot diagnose or rule out prostate cancer on its own: an elevated result can have causes other than cancer and may lead to further tests. Whether and when to have PSA testing is a decision to discuss with your GP, taking account of your age, family history, inherited risk, preferences and the potential benefits and harms.
It's still worth knowing the symptoms
Seek prompt medical assessment if you notice blood in your urine. Blood in semen should also be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Some things run in the family
You know your dad prefers BBQ sauce to tomato. But do you know if his dad had prostate cancer?
Around 5–10% of prostate cancers are linked to an inherited genetic change that increases cancer risk. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer can also increase your risk, particularly if your family carries a gene change in BRCA2, BRCA1 or other cancer-associated genes.
Understanding your family history is an important first step. Start a conversation with your family about cancer diagnoses in your biological relatives, on both sides of the family.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer or a known inherited cancer risk, you may benefit from starting prostate cancer screening earlier. In particular, has there been:
- breast cancer, particularly diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- breast cancer in both breasts, or more than one breast cancer in the same person
- ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancer
- breast cancer in a man
- pancreatic cancer
- prostate cancer diagnosed at a younger age, that was high-grade/aggressive, or that had spread (metastatic disease)
- breast cancer together with ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer in the same person
- a known pathogenic variant (a gene change associated with increased cancer risk), such as in BRCA1 or BRCA2
- Jewish ancestry, which can be relevant to inherited cancer risk
Your family history doesn't need to fit this list exactly to be worth discussing. If you're concerned about your family's cancer history, speak with your GP about whether a risk assessment or referral to a familial cancer service may be appropriate.
The easiest thing you will do today
Create a new habit! Set a reminder that helps you keep up with the actions relevant to you.
Getting familiar with your body and family history can help you know when to seek advice. Add your details to receive reminders about the campaign's suggested actions, plus occasional emails with useful information.
Hear from people who know.
Real stories from our community about noticing, asking, testing, and what came next.
Molly’s Story
Jess & Nicole’s Story
Renee's Story
Dave's Story
Bruce's Story
Jon's Story
