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5 breast cancer facts you need to know

23 September 2025
A woman in a doctor's office in front of a mammogram machine

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Australia. In fact, one in eight women will be diagnosed with this type of cancer by the age of 85. 

Knowing how to check yourself for breast cancer may help you notice changes that should be checked by a doctor. While self-checks do not prevent breast cancer, early detection through self-awareness, medical checks and screening can improve treatment outcomes. But there are some unique facts about breast cancer you can learn to grow your understanding. That way, you can know what to look for when doing a breast check and take the right steps towards prevention. 

1. Men can get breast cancer 

Although breast cancer is commonly found in women, men can also develop it. The Cancer Council reports that around one in 667 males will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they are 85.  

So, what could cause breast cancer in men? There’s some overlap with the causes of breast cancer in women, such as increasing age or family history. But for men specifically, some causes of breast cancer include: 

  • Some testicular disorders  

  • Klinefelter’s syndrome (where you have two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome) 

  • High levels of oestrogen. 

If you’re a male and think you may have breast cancer, visit your GP for a check-up. They can examine your chest area, nipple and underarms and take the initial steps to work out if you have symptoms that require further investigation. 

2. Breast cancer isn’t always a lump 

Finding a lump in your breast is one of the common signs of breast cancer, but it’s not the only one. When you’re doing a self-examination in a mirror, keep an eye out for these breast cancer symptoms: 

  • One or both breasts have changed size or shape 

  • One or both nipples have changed in appearance, like redness or crusting 

  • The skin on your breast has changed, such as dimpling (like a lemon peel) or skin indentation 

  • Clear or bloodied nipple discharge. 

Sometimes, changes to your breast are caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor to confirm the cause. 

3. Dense breast tissue can make breast cancer harder to spot 

When you have dense breasts, it means your breasts have lots of glandular and connective tissue. There are four levels of breast density: 

  • Type A (lowest density), around 10% of women have this type of density 

  • Type B (low-level density), around 40% of women have this type of density 

  • Type C (dense), around 40% of women have this type of density 

  • Type D (extremely dense), around 10% of women have this type of density 

Having dense breasts can make it a bit tricky to spot cancer on a mammogram. This is because the breast tissue and the cancer show up as white on the scan. While breast density can be associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, it’s not the only one. Speak with your GP about your breast cancer screening and whether additional imaging may be appropriate for you. 

4. Inflammatory breast cancer is rare  

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of cancer. Around two to five out of every 100 cases of breast cancer are inflammatory breast cancer. This type of cancer is often misdiagnosed because it doesn’t manifest as a lump. Signs may include swelling, redness and inflammation of the breast, which can sometimes be mistaken for infection or another condition. Other symptoms of IBC include: 

  • An inverted nipple 

  • Bruising and thickening of the breast 

  • Itching, pain and other unusual sensations 

  • Your breast is warm to the touch 

  • A rash that covers more than one-third of your breast and spreads over a few weeks 

5. Your lifestyle impacts your risk 

Like with many illnesses, your lifestyle may influence your risk of developing cancer. While there are some things you can’t control, like aging or your genetics, you can control your lifestyle. Making small changes to your lifestyle may help reduce your overall risk. Here’s what you can do: 

  • Reduce your alcohol intake and consumption. Try replacing a glass of wine with a mocktail or sparkling water with a dash of lime 

  • Try to lose weight if you’re overweight or obese through a combination of healthy eating and exercise 

  • Do regular physical activity, especially during menopause. A walk around the neighbourhood, a yoga class or strength training are all great forms of exercise 

  • Quit smoking – speak with your GP about nicotine replacement therapy or counselling. 

How can nib help? 

Eligible nib members (who meet eligibility requirements) can access cancer health management programs. These free programs are designed to help support members with cancer care and management, where eligibility criteria are met. 

You can chat with our friendly team about eligibility requirements and your cover options. Get in touch by calling us on 13 16 42 or by jumping online to chat with nibby.   

The information in this article is provided as general information only. It is not medical or professional advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from your doctor or another qualified health professional. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any symptoms, diagnosis or treatment options. 

5 breast cancer facts you need to know | nib