Breast health

Getting to know your breasts

Everyone’s breasts are different. It’s important to get familiar with what’s normal for you so you can spot when there are changes happening.

There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts.

The important things are:

• getting to know what your breasts normally look and feel like
• checking them regularly
• talking to your GP if anything changes.

Breast changes to look for include:

• a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
• a change in the size or shape of your breast
• changes to your nipple, like crusting or redness, or the nipple being pulled in
• nipple discharge (liquid comes out of the nipple) that happens without squeezing it
• changes in the skin of your breast, like redness, puckering (pulling in) or dimpling (like orange peel)
• an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Talk to your GP about any changes to the normal look and feel of your breasts, even if the changes aren't on this list.

Your breasts will change throughout your lifetime. It’s always good to talk to your GP if you notice anything that's unusual for you.

Breast cancer screening

BreastScreen Queensland offers breast screening for women aged 40 and over. Breast screening is most effective for women aged 50 to 74.

A breast screen, also called a mammogram, uses an x-ray machine to look for very small cancers in breasts that can’t be seen or felt by a woman or her doctor. Finding breast cancer early means there are more treatment options.

Breast screening is free, takes less than 30 minutes and is done by a female health professional. You don't need a doctor's referral to have a breast screen.

If you notice changes in your breasts you should arrange to see your GP straight away.

Find out more and book an appointment at BreastScreen Queensland or phone 13 20 50.

Common breast conditions

Painful breasts (mastalgia)

It’s common to get pain in your breasts sometimes. There’s isn’t always a cause, but it’s often linked to hormone changes. It’s usually nothing to worry about but you should talk to your GP if your breast pain:

• doesn’t go away
• is sharp or stabbing and always in the same spot

You can help ease breast pain by:

• using a hot or cold pack
• wearing a comfortable, supportive bra or no bra.

Inflamed breasts (mastitis)

Inflammation in your breast is known as mastitis. It’s most common in breastfeeding mums, but anyone can get it.

You might have mastitis if:

• your breast is tender, swollen, and feels hot
• you have a fever or flu-like symptoms.

It’s important to see your GP if you think you have mastitis. Read more about mastitis and other issues in breastfeeding.

Lumps

Breasts can often feel lumpy, particularly around the time of your period. Not all lumps in your breast are dangerous, but it’s important to get any new lumps checked by a doctor.

Cysts

Cysts are little bubbles of fluid, like blisters, that develop in your breast tissue. They aren’t cancer and can’t develop into cancer. It’s common for women to get breast cysts, usually from age 30 to 50.

Cysts might feel tender to touch. They’re often very small and will move easily when you put pressure on them. They will usually heal on their own without any treatment.

If you feel something in your breast that's unusual for you, always talk to your GP.

Read more about breast cysts on the healthdirect website.

Fibroadenomas

Fibroadenomas are small non-cancerous breast lumps. They’re made up of glands and tissue. They’re mostly small but can get as big as a golf ball.

Fibroadenomas mostly feel smooth and rubbery, and they usually don’t hurt.

Talk to your GP if you feel a new lump in your breast.

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge is common when you're breastfeeding or pregnant. It's less common if you're not breastfeeding.

Liquid can leak from your nipple when you squeeze it, or sometimes on its own. It can be clear, white, yellow, or sometimes have blood.

If you notice discharge from your nipple, always get it checked by your GP.

Information in other languages

BreastScreen Queensland has information in other languages about breast screening.