To increase data security for our clients and organisation, clients are now required to set up a second layer of identity verification called multi-factor authentication on MyBreastScreen accounts.
What can you do to reduce your risk of breast cancer?
A healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of breast cancer.
Drink less alcohol
Drinking even one alcoholic drink per day increases your risk of developing breast cancer. The more alcohol you drink, the greater the increase in risk.
Quit smoking
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
Manage your weight
Being overweight increases your risk for many diseases. Being overweight after menopause increases your risk of breast cancer.
Be active
Physical activity helps in weight management but also provides a whole range of other health benefits.
The more you exercise, the greater the reductions in breast cancer risk. Aim to do at least 30 minutes of moderate to brisk exercise on most days.
Eat healthy foods
You can lower your risk of cancer by healthy eating. Combined with physical activity, a healthy diet will help you maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your risk of cancer.
Talk to your doctor about managing menopause symptoms
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) may increase your risk of breast cancer. Talk to your doctor about options to manage the symptoms of menopause.
More information
- Cancer Council Australia has more detailed information on how you can reduce your cancer risk.
- iPrevent – an online tool, developed by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, estimates your personal risk of developing breast cancer and includes tips for you to reduce your risk
- Finding breast cancer early, a Cancer Council resource
- Take the lead, a Cancer Council resource for Aboriginal women
Be breast aware
Get to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. See your doctor if you notice any unusual changes.
Ask your doctor about your risk of breast cancer and the need for screening.
It's important to note that we only report on signs of breast cancer and not other changes or lumps that are determined benign or non-cancerous. This includes cysts or changes that have remained the same since your last breast screen.
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