What's My Breast Cancer Risk?

THERE ARE SOME FACTORS THAT MAKE YOU MORE LIKELY TO BE DIAGNOSED THAN OTHER. AN EXPERT GIVES FOUR WOMEN A CHECK-UP.

- Larraine Sathicq

There’s nothing you can do to avoid the two top risk factors for the most common female cancer in Australia – being a woman and growing older, but you can still reduce your chances of developing or dying from breast cancer.

Breast cancer is surrounded by myths and misinformation, so it can be difficult to know for sure that you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself.

Here, four women consider their own breast cancer risk and Dr Helen Zorbas, chief executive of Cancer Australia, offers expert comment.

“BREAST CANCER DOESN’T RUN IN MY FAMILY” – Julia, 48

There is no history of any cancer in my family. My BMI (body mass index) is 32, which means I’m classified as obese, but I’m otherwise healthy and happy. Most of my female relatives are on the larger side so it’s a family trait. Diets make me miserable and I try to avoid stress.

I wouldn’t say I live a sedentary lifestyle – I’m on my feet all day at work. I wouldn’t sign up for the gym or join a fitness group because I just don’t enjoy exercise. My breasts do feel a bit lumpy, but an ultrasound showed they are just benign cysts. I’ve never had children and I’m not on the Pill.

Dr Zorbas says: Most breast cancers occur in women who don’t have a strong family history of breast cancer. Julia does have a high BMI and this is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Aiming for a BMI between 18.5 and 25, as well as maintaining a waist measurement that’s less than half her height will reduce her risk.