Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Australian women, with about 1 in 7 women affected during their lifetime. While that statistic may sound alarming, the reality is that your individual risk may be higher or lower depending on your personal and family history, lifestyle, and other factors.

Understanding your personal breast cancer risk is one of the most important steps you can take toward early detection and prevention. In this article, we’ll walk you through:

  • What affects your breast cancer risk
  • Why it’s important to know your personal risk
  • How to use iPrevent – a free, evidence-based tool designed for Australian women
  • What to do after you receive your risk results

Why Should You Know Your Breast Cancer Risk?

Knowing your personal risk helps you:

  • Plan your screening (e.g. when to start mammograms or if MRI is appropriate)
  • Make lifestyle changes that can reduce your risk
  • Explore preventive options like medication or genetic testing if needed
  • Feel empowered, not fearful, with information and control over your health

Breast cancer caught early is far more treatable. Risk awareness leads to smarter screening and prevention.

What Affects Your Risk of Breast Cancer?

✅ Factors You Can’t Change:

  • Age – risk increases over age 50
  • Family history – especially if your mother, sister or daughter had breast or ovarian cancer
  • Genetic mutations – such as BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2
  • Breast density – denser breast tissue increases risk and makes cancers harder to detect

✅ Factors You Can Influence:

  • Body weight – especially after menopause
  • Alcohol intake – even low levels can increase risk
  • Physical activity – regular exercise lowers risk
  • Reproductive factors – age at first period, pregnancies, breastfeeding
  • Hormonal use – such as HRT or the oral contraceptive pill

Understanding which factors apply to you is the first step in estimating your personal risk.

What Is iPrevent?

iPrevent is a free, secure online tool developed by the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne. It uses scientifically validated risk models to give Australian women a personalised breast cancer risk estimate, along with tailored prevention and screening recommendations.

Unlike general statistics, iPrevent calculates your individual 5-year and lifetime breast cancer risk based on your unique profile.

How to Use iPrevent: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Visit the Website

Go to www.petermac.org/iprevent on your computer, tablet, or phone.

2. Create a Free Account

Register with your name and email to securely save your results and return later if needed.

3. Fill Out the Questionnaire

This takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll be asked about:

  • Your age, height, weight
  • Family history of breast or ovarian cancer (including relatives and their ages at diagnosis)
  • Your periods, pregnancies, breastfeeding, and menopause
  • Any past use of HRT or oral contraceptives
  • Lifestyle factors like alcohol use and exercise
  • Your breast density (if known from a mammogram)

📌 TIP: If possible, gather your family history or mammogram reports beforehand for more accurate results.

4. Review Your Risk

After completing the questionnaire, you’ll receive:

  • Your 10-year and lifetime risk percentage
  • A risk category: average, moderate, or high
  • Personalised advice on screening, lifestyle, and prevention options

5. Download Your Report

You can download or print your results to take to your GP or specialist to help guide next steps.

What Do the Risk Results Mean?

🔹 Average Risk

Follow national guidelines: mammogram every 2 years from age 50 to 74 (or earlier if you choose).

🔹 Moderate to High Risk

Your GP may recommend:

  • Earlier or more frequent screening
  • Breast MRI, especially if you have dense breast tissue
  • Referral to a genetics clinic
  • Risk-reducing medication like tamoxifen
  • More frequent follow-up and lifestyle interventions

Remember: risk isn’t a diagnosis. It simply helps you and your doctor make informed decisions.

Final Tips: Navigating Breast Cancer Risk in Australia

  • Stay proactive: Use tools like iPrevent to stay on top of your risk as you age or as your family history changes.
  • Talk to your doctor: Share your results and make a personalised plan together.
  • Keep screening on schedule: Whether you’re at average or increased risk, early detection is key.
  • Live well: Maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, limit alcohol, and don’t smoke.

Ready to Find Out Your Risk?

Take 15 minutes today to use the iPrevent tool—it’s free, Australian, and based on the latest evidence.

👉 Click here to estimate your breast cancer risk with iPrevent

Disclaimer: This blog is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP or breast specialist for guidance specific to your circumstances.

© Dr. Leong Tiong. All rights reserved.