Online Breast Health Checker

What do you know about breast health?

Take this short quiz and find out more about staying healthy and the signs of breast cancer.

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only it is not intended to replace a consultation with your doctor.

Question 1

First of all, what age are you?

*Please select an option.

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Question 2

Are you male or female?

*Please select an option.

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Are you male or female?

More than 3,600 women and around 37 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in Ireland.

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.

Male breast cancer is rare. Most men who get breast cancer are over 60, although younger men can be affected.

Question 3

How many standard drinks do you drink per week?

*Please select an option.

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How many standard drinks do you drink per week?

Alcohol is responsible for 1 in 8 breast cancers in Ireland. Even 1 standard drink a day could increase the risk of breast cancer by 5 per cent. The risk increases the more you drink.

You can limit your risk by drinking no more than one standard drink a day if you are a woman, and two standard drinks per day if you are a man.

Question 4

Do you smoke?

*Please select an option.

4/20

Do you smoke?

Smoking tobacco increases your risk of breast cancer, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. The earlier you start smoking, the higher the risk.

For information and support on how to quit smoking, call the HSE Quit Team on Freefone 1800 201 203 or visit Quit.ie

Question 5

What is your Body Mass Index (BMI)?
Calculate your BMI HERE

*Please select an option.

5/20

What is your Body Mass Index (BMI)?

Being a healthy weight is one of the best ways to protect yourself from cancer. This is because fat cells in your body make hormones. High levels of certain hormones increase your cancer risk. A high BMI is associated with increased breast cancer risk.

Question 6

Do you take regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week)?

*Please select an option.

6/20

Do you take regular exercise (at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five times per week)?

People who are physically active have a lower risk of breast cancer. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on 5 or more days a week.

Question 7

Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have "dense breast tissue"?

*Please select an option.

7/20

Have you ever been told by a doctor that you have "dense breast tissue"?

You can't see or feel dense breast tissue (more glandular, less fatty tissue) – the only way to find out if you have dense breasts is with a mammogram. Almost half of all women who receive a mammogram have dense breast tissue, but younger women and black women are more likely to have dense breasts. This type of tissue not only increases risk for breast cancer, but also makes it harder for doctors to spot concerns during a mammogram. If you have dense breasts, your doctor may recommend additional imaging, such as digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography).

Question 8

How old were you when you first got your period?

*Please select an option.

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How old were you when you first got your period?

Women who have their first period before the age of 12 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Oestrogen fuels the growth of certain breast cancers, and the earlier you start your period, the greater your lifetime exposure to this hormone.

Question 9

Have you gone through the menopause?

*Please select an option.

9/20

Have you gone through the menopause?

Women who have gone through menopause AND are overweight or obese have a higher risk of breast cancers. Women who have the menopause after the age of 55 have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer.

Question 10

Have you taken birth control pills for five or more years during your 20s or 30s? The years don't have to be consecutive (all in a row).

*Please select an option.

10/20

Have you taken birth control pills for five or more years during your 20s or 30s? The years don't have to be consecutive (all in a row).

The contraceptive pill causes a small increase in risk. This risk gradually returns to normal after you stop taking it.

Question 11

Have you ever given birth?

*Please select an option.

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Have you ever given birth?

Having a baby can reduce breast cancer risk - pregnancy stops ovulation, lowering total lifetime exposure to oestrogen.

Women who have their first pregnancy before age 30 have a lower risk for breast cancer than women who gave birth later or never.

Question 12

Have you breastfed for 1-2 years?

*Please select an option.

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Have you breastfed for 1-2 years?

The longer women breastfeed, the more they are protected against breast cancer. In addition, breastfeeding is associated with several health benefits for both the mother and the breastfed child.

Breastfeeding for 1-2 years reduces the chance of ovulation, which lowers total lifetime exposure to oestrogen. This decreases both ovarian and breast cancer risk.

Question 13

Have you ever had any of the following?

  • Breast cancer
  • Ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Colorectal or endometrial cancer
  • An abnormal breast biopsy
  • Endometriosis
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Tubal ligation

*Please answer all options.

13/20

Have you ever had any of the following?

These factors in your breast and ovarian health history can affect your cancer risk. Talk to your doctor about your breast health if you have answered yes to any of these.

Question 14

Have you ever had radiation to your chest to treat cancer (not x-rays or scans) between ages 10-30?

*Please select an option.

14/20

Have you ever had radiation to your chest to treat cancer (not x-rays or scans) between ages 10-30?

Cancers such as Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are often treated with radiation to the chest.

If this happens during breast development, it can increase breast cancer risk.

Question 15

Do you know the health history of your family?

*Please select an option.

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Do you know the health history of your family?

Women with a strong family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of getting the disease. Experts believe that less than 1 in every 10 breast cancer cases are caused by genetic changes that are passed on in families. A strong family history includes:


Please visit cancer.ie to find out more.

Question 16

Have any of your close family members (parents, siblings, children) been diagnosed with any of the following?

  • Breast cancer diagnosed at age 45 or under
  • Triple negative breast cancer diagnosis at age 60 or under
  • Ovarian cancer, primary peritoneal cancer, or fallopian tube cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Metastatic or intraductal prostate cancer
  • Male breast cancer
  • More than one endometrial, colon, or stomach cancer in one relative

*Please answer all options.

16/20

Have any of your close family members (parents, siblings, children) been diagnosed with any of the following?

These types of cancer could point to a genetic mutation that increases your risk of developing cancer.

Question 17

Have you had genetic testing for a gene mutation linked to breast cancer?

*Please select an option.

17/20

Have you had genetic testing for a gene mutation linked to breast cancer?

Genetic testing is when the laboratory examines a blood sample for an inherited cause for cancer in your family. 10-20% of breast and ovarian cancers are caused by inherited genetic mutations. There are 2 main types of tests:

1. Diagnostic testing looks for a genetic change in families with a strong history of cancer. It is usually done on a family member who has had cancer. If a genetic change is found, other members of the family can then choose to have a predictive genetic test.

2. Predictive genetic testing is carried out in a family where there is a known genetic change. The genetics team therefore knows which specific gene change to look for and where to find it.

Question 18

Do you check your breasts once a month?

*Please select an option.

18/20

Do you check your breasts once a month?

9 out of 10 breast changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but it's important to check your breasts regularly. Learn what feels normal for you and check your breasts every month. Talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Your breasts will go through many normal changes during your life. For example, they are affected by changes in your hormones during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breast-feeding and menopause.

Question 19

Do you have any symptoms you are concerned about?

Tick all that apply:
  • A change in size or shape of your breast such as one breast becoming larger than the other
  • A change in the skin such as puckering, ridges or dimpling (like orange peel) or redness
  • A change in the direction or shape of your nipple, especially if it sinks into your breast or becomes irregular in shape
  • An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples
  • A change in the skin on or around the nipple such as a rash or flaky or crusted skin
  • Swelling in your breast or armpit or around your collarbone
  • A lump or thickening in your breast
  • Constant pain in one part of your breast or armpit
  • Soreness or warmth (inflammatory breast cancer)
  • A red scaly rash on one nipple, which may itch or burn

*Please answer all options.

19/20

Do you have any symptoms you are concerned about?

9 out of 10 breast changes won’t turn out to be breast cancer, but it's important to go to your GP if you have any symptoms and get them checked out.

Breast pain is not a common symptom of breast cancer buts it’s always best to talk to a doctor. It’s important to make an appointment to see your doctor (GP) if:

Question 20

Have you been screened for breast cancer?

*Please select an option.

20/20

Have you been screened for breast cancer?

Through BreastCheck, the national breast screening programme, women between the ages of 50 to 69 are invited to get a free mammogram every 2 years. Breast screening involves having a mammogram of your breasts at a BreastCheck clinic or mobile screening unit. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast used to find breast cancer when it is too small to see or feel. Breast screening does not find all breast cancer. But screening has been proven to lower the number of women dying from breast cancer. Your details should automatically be on our register. You can check that your name is on the register or update your details at www.breastcheck.ie/ssregister or Freephone 1800 45 45 55.

If you're worried about breast cancer at any age, speak to your GP for advice.

Thank you

Thank you for taking part in the Irish Cancer Society's Online Breast Health Checker.

Remember this checklist is not a substitute for a doctor. If you are concerned about your breast health, please visit your doctor, regardless of what results you have on our checklist.

If you are over 50 and have no symptoms you still should have a discussion with your doctor about the risks of breast cancer.

For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.

For more information on breast cancer: www.cancer.ie/breast

You may find it helpful to print your results and bring them with you to your doctor.

Why not share the checklist with your family and friends?

Your results

This online breast health checker has been created by the Irish Cancer Society to assist the community in monitoring their breast health.

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only and is not intended to replace a consultation with your doctor.

Symptoms:

  • No Symptoms

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For more information call our Support Line Freephone 1800 200 700 and speak to one of our cancer nurses for confidential advice, support and information.