Ballarat mums urged to teacher daughters how to spot breast cancer

Ms Fletcher, whose daughters are aged 15 and 10, said it was important to start setting healthy habits and body awareness early.

Her call comes as the McGrath Foundation launches a campaign encouraging mothers to share the importance of checking breast tissue, and breaking down misconceptions, in the same way they would offer advice about menstruation and puberty.

And at an age when girls were more likely to listen to their mum’s advice.

“Having the talk just empowers them and makes them take responsibility to be more accountable for their health,” Ms Fletcher said. “We all look different, there is no perfect breast, but it’s about knowing what yours look like and regularly checking them.”

The campaign stems from the second annual McGrath Breast Health Index, with half of Australian women believing mothers-daughter talks were the best way to teach girls how to be breast aware. Less than a quarter of women have had the conversation with their mum.

New research from the McGrath Foundation also outlined new risk factors for breast cancer: being overweight after menopause, taking the contraceptive pill, not being physically active, a previous breast condition and using combine hormone replacement therapy.

Only one in 20 women in Australia correctly identified all 11 risk factors in the McGrath Foundation study.

A “substantial number” of women incorrectly identifiing known myths as risks for developing breast cancer.

This included one in five believed that using deodorant causes breast cancer, and one in six that wearing an underwire bra is a risk factor.

Ms Fletcher said it was also important to know genetic factors.

“Earlier detection can mean less invasive treatment, if there is something,” Ms Fletcher said. 

She said to contact a general practitioner if noticing any changes in nipples or breasts.