What should I be aware of?
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes and will change throughout your life. Your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, age and weight may alter the size, shape and feel of your breasts.
Get to know your own breasts so that you will know what is normal for you. Look in the mirror at your breasts and feel your breasts from time to time
Ask your GP about breast health at your next check-up.
See your GP promptly if you notice any of the following unusual breast changes:
- A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Changes in the nipple such as inversion, new nipple discharge, itchy or ulcerated skin
- Changes in the skin of the breast such as dimpling, puckering or redness
- An area of the breast that feels different from the rest
- New persistent breast pain
What if I am a woman under 40 years?
Women under 40 years are not eligible to attend a screening mammogram at BreastScreen WA. Young women under 40 years have much denser breast tissue than older women, so it is more difficult for screening mammograms to show the changes that may indicate cancer. More information for women under 40.
What if I am a woman over 75 years?
Women 75 years and over are no longer sent reminder letters to attend for a mammogram. However, you are welcome to ring BreastScreen WA for an appointment prior to your due date.
More information for women over 75.
What if I am a woman with:
A family history of breast cancer? More information for women with a family history.
Breast implants? More information for women with breast implants.
A disability? Information on access for women with disabilities.