Is that normal? A guide to breast health

Published October 2025 | 5 min read
Expert contributor: Dr Kafayat (Kafa) Lee, specialist women’s health GP
Words by Jo Hartley

Breast health matters at every age. Learn what’s normal for you so you can spot changes early and care for your breasts.

Australia has one of the highest breast cancer diagnosis rates in the world. One in seven Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, compared with one in 556 men.

“Most women will feel a lump or bump in their breast at some point, and these are often linked to normal hormonal changes,” says Dr Kafayat (Kafa) Lee, specialist women’s health GP. “But because you can’t always tell what a lump is, it’s important to get anything new checked by your GP just to be safe.”

Non-cancerous conditions that can affect your breasts include:

• Breast cysts: fluid-filled sacs that form in the breast tissue, most common in women aged 30 to 50.
• Mastalgia: a common type of breast pain often linked to hormonal changes, which can feel like a dull ache in one or both breasts.
• Fibroadenomas: non-cancerous, typically painless breast lumps that range in size and are affected by hormones.
• Benign fibrocystic disease: a mix of cysts and thickened breast tissue, which often causes lumpy breasts, along with pain and tenderness that can vary with your menstrual cycle.
• Nipple and breast itchiness: often caused by conditions like eczema or psoriasis, infections like thrush or mastitis, or contact with certain soaps or fabrics.

How to check your breasts

Checking in on your breast health regularly can help you spot changes early, when problems are often easier to treat.

Breast cancer symptoms can include:

• changes in the size or shape of the breast
• changes to nipples: sores, discharge, shape or turning in
• skin of the breast dimpling or developing a rash
• new lumps or thickening in the breast
• armpit pain or swelling
• pain or swelling, especially if it’s only in one breast and doesn’t change with your menstrual cycle.

“It’s a good idea to check your breasts once a month, so you get to know what’s normal for you,” says Dr Lee. “The best time is a few days after your period, when breasts are usually less tender.”

Dr Lee recommends looking at your breasts in the mirror while sitting or standing. Use the flat of your fingers in a circular pattern to feel around the entire breast and up into your armpits.

“You can do this in the shower, lying down or even while getting dressed. Keep an eye out for any lumps, changes in size or shape, skin dimpling, or unusual nipple discharge.”

If you notice any changes or have concerns, speak to a health professional as soon as possible.

That said, breast cancer sometimes doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening is so important. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP, to be safe.

Breast cancer screening methods

There are several types of breast cancer screening methods.

• Physical exam: Usually the first step in the process, your GP will perform a thorough physical examination of both breasts and ask you about your medical and family history.
• Mammogram: An X-ray of the breast tissue to check for breast changes.
• Tomosynthesis: A 3D X-ray of the breast to identify small breast cancers, particularly in dense breast tissue.
• Contrast-enhanced mammogram (CEM): A combination of tomosynthesis with a dye (contrast) injected into an arm vein. This can be helpful in identifying very early-stage breast cancer.
• Ultrasound: The use of soundwaves to create a picture that shows whether lumps found in the breast are solid or filled with fluid.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A scan often used for people at high risk of breast cancer or those with dense breast tissue or breast implants.
• Biopsy: The removal of a small sample of tissue, taken from the breast or lymph nodes and checked for any cancer cells.

When should you have a breast screen?

The risk of developing breast cancer increases as women get older, with over 75% of cases occurring in women 50 and over. That’s why regular breast screens are so important from the age of 50 – even if you don’t have any symptoms.

Your state- or territory-based breast cancer screening program will send women aged 50 to 74 a letter inviting you for a free mammogram every two years.

Women aged between 40 and 49 years, or 75 years and over, are also eligible for a free mammogram, but won’t get an invitation in the mail.

Talk to your doctor if you have:

• a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
• had breast cancer in the past five years
• any breast cancer symptoms.

For more information, call 13 20 50 or visit BreastScreen Australia Program.

The rural gap in breast cancer support

For women living in rural and remote parts of Australia, breast cancer treatment options may be limited. This can cause stress and financial pressure, as the cost of travel, accommodation and expenses away from home can add up.

It’s something Ann, 50, is familiar with. Five years ago, while living in Darwin, she noticed a sore spot on her right breast. She spoke with her GP, who referred her for an urgent mammogram, but she had to wait three weeks for an appointment. Soon after, she was diagnosed with Stage 4, triple-positive metastatic breast cancer. 

The timing couldn’t have been worse. Ann, then a student midwife, was due to join her husband in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, where he’d just started a new job. The COVID-19 pandemic made travel and in-person medical appointments difficult, and she often had to travel to and from Perth for treatment, without the support of family or friends.

Throughout her extensive treatment and recovery, Ann continued to work as regularly as her illness would allow. Then, in 2023, she applied for a position with Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) and landed her “dream job” as an RFDS Flight Nurse. Now based in Broken Hill, she’s a huge advocate for the early detection of breast cancer.

“Any slight change in your breast, regardless of your age, you need to get it checked,” she says.

Fortunately, there is support available to people living in regional and remote parts of the country. Reach out to Breast Cancer Network Australia or Cancer Council, who can help you find local services and offer further assistance.

When to see a doctor

“If you notice something that feels new or different, especially a lump at any time – or, if you still have periods, one that sticks around after you’ve had your period – don’t wait, book in with your GP,” says Dr Lee. “Even if it turns out to be nothing serious, it’s always better to be sure.”

She offers the following tips for maintaining good breast health.

• Get to know your breasts – what’s normal and what’s not.
• Don’t ignore changes. Trust your gut and get things checked.
• Stay up to date with your mammograms.
• Look after your general health. Eat well and move regularly. Try to limit alcohol and avoid smoking.
• Know your family history. If breast cancer runs in your family, talk to your GP about whether you need earlier or more regular checks.

“Don’t be afraid to talk about your breast health,” says Dr Lee. “It’s something we should all feel comfortable discussing. The more we normalise it, the better chance we have of catching things early and looking after ourselves.”

Need support with a diagnosis?

If you’ve received a breast health diagnosis or treatment plan, a specialist from HCF’s Second Opinion service can give you extra support and answer any questions you might have. Eligible members can lean on our network of Aussie-based medical specialists to get a free second opinion on a health condition you’re worried about^*.