October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to raise
awareness, encourage early diagnosis and support people affected by
breast cancer. Breast cancer is far more common in women, but men can
also develop the disease.
Understanding breast cancer
Breast cancer begins when abnormal cells in the breast grow out of
control and form a tumour. Some cancers can invade nearby tissue and
spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment has improved, but access to timely diagnosis and care
remains unequal. The World Health Organization reports that breast
cancer outcomes are much poorer in countries where people face delays in
diagnosis and treatment.
Key risk factors
Risk factors include:
- Age: Risk rises with age.
- Sex: About 99% of breast cancers occur in
women. - Inherited mutations: Mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2
and PALB2 can raise risk. - Family history: A family history can raise risk,
although most women diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family
history. - Lifestyle and health: Alcohol use, obesity, low
physical activity and tobacco use are linked to greater risk. - Previous treatment: Radiation exposure and some
forms of postmenopausal hormone therapy can raise risk.
Most breast cancers occur in women who have no specific risk factor
other than being female and growing older. A person with no family
history can still develop breast cancer.
Men and breast cancer
About 0.5-1% of breast cancers occur in men. Possible signs include a
lump or thickening in the breast, a change in the nipple, a change in
the skin or abnormal fluid from the nipple.
A doctor should assess any unexplained breast change in a woman or
man, even when a lump does not hurt.
Early diagnosis matters
Breast awareness means knowing what is normal and seeking medical
advice when something changes. Possible signs include:
- A new lump or thickening.
- A change in the size or shape of the breast.
- Dimpling, redness or another skin change.
- A change in the nipple or the skin around it.
- Abnormal or bloody fluid from the nipple.
These signs do not always mean cancer, but they need medical
assessment.
Mammography can help detect some breast cancers before symptoms
appear. It is not the same recommendation for every person. A doctor can
advise whether screening is suitable based on age, personal risk, family
history and the services available.
How Medwell can help
Medwell can provide nursing and personal care at home and in selected
retirement estates. For a person receiving cancer treatment, care may
include medication support, wound care, help with daily activities and
palliative nursing when these form part of the treating team’s care
plan.
Palliative care aims to relieve symptoms and support quality of life
for the person and family. It can be provided at home where the care
plan and circumstances allow.
More information is available on Medwell’s home healthcare and palliative care
pages.
This article gives general information and does not replace
medical advice. A doctor or other qualified healthcare professional
should assess breast changes and advise on screening or
treatment.
Originally published on 8 October 2024. Medical and service
information reviewed on 27 August 2026.
Service enquiries can be sent through the Medwell contact page or made by telephone on 010 006 5538.
This article gives general information and does not replace medical advice. A doctor or other qualified healthcare professional should assess individual symptoms and treatment.