Your risk and breast cancer

Why do women need to know the risk factors for breast cancer?

In 2003, National Breast Cancer Centre* conducted a survey of 3000 Australian women aged from 30 to 69 years. The survey examined women’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviour with regard to breast cancer.

The survey revealed there is a lot of confusion about the things that may increase a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer, known as risk factors.

The survey showed many women are not aware that your risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. It also revealed many women do not know that drinking alcohol and being overweight can increase your risk.

On the other hand, many women mistakenly believe a bump or knock to the breast increases your risk of breast cancer, when the research does not support this claim.

It is important to separate the fact from the fiction about risk factors for breast cancer. With an understanding of the things that may increase your chance of developing breast cancer, you can take positive steps to reduce your risk.

Am I at increased risk of breast cancer?

As a result of these survey findings, the National Breast Cancer Centre* thoroughly examined the research on risk factors for breast cancer. To view NBOCC's report on the evidence about breast cancer risk factors, click here.

From this information we developed Your risk and breast cancer, an online information resource and calculator. With these resources we aim to inform women and help individuals to understand their level of risk for breast cancer.

By answering the questions in the calculator, you will be able to calculate your current risk.

Please note, the risk calculator is intended for use by women who have not had breast or ovarian cancer. The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre has a website specifically about breast cancer in men, which provides details about risk factors for men.

* In February 2008, National Breast Cancer Centre (NBCC) changed its name to National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC).