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all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, to constantly monitor their breast health, and to report any changes to the normal look and feel of their breasts to their doctor. The Foundation's October awareness campaign, online at www. ourwomen.co.nz, has guidelines for women at different ages. The handy acronym BRAS is used to remind women of steps they can take to reduce their risk and improve their chances of early diagnosis (see box story). Knowing your family history of breast cancer is a key component of BRAS. The Colmar Brunton research showed one-third of young women have never asked a parent or other relative if anyone in their family ever had breast cancer. "We often hear from women who had no idea there was breast cancer in their family background until they're diagnosed themselves," says Van Henderson. conversation." Sammy Christina Tongia would agree. Six years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 32, after several weeks of feeling unwell and experiencing a discharge from her nipple. When she shared her diagnosis with her family, she was shocked to learn that her grandmother, aunt and first cousin on her mother's side had all had breast cancer. "I remember when I was a kid, my aunt was over from the Cook Islands, in and out of hospital – but we never knew why," Sammy says. "Pacific Islanders don't talk about deadly diseases." In fact, the failure to discuss family history goes across all ethnicities. Auckland mother-of- three Wendy Yost was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer after she found a lump, and only then learned that her great-grandmother had had breast cancer at a young age and her mother had been having annual mammograms for years without mentioning them to her three daughters. Although only 5-10% of breast cancers have hereditary causes, these often occur in younger women and can be more aggressive. If you have a first degree relative (mother or sister) who developed breast or ovarian cancer before age 50, you need to start having mammograms 10 years before the age they were diagnosed. While we don't know the exact cause of Do you know your BRAS? Know what is normal for you. Check your breasts often and if you notice any changes, see your doctor. B - Be Breast Aware "It's important to have the Lower your alcohol intake. Keep within a healthy body weight and exercise regularly. Lower your exposure to hormones. Know your family history. R - Reduce your Risk A - Act Quickly Don't wait if you're worried. Show changes to your doctor. Ask questions. S - Screen Regularly Get a mammogram every year from the ages of 40-49. After 50, get a mammogram every two years (unless advised differently by your doctor) breast cancer, and there's no guaranteed method of prevention, women in their 20s and 30s can help themselves by setting up a lifetime of good habits. Worldwide research has shown that moderating alcohol intake, having a healthy BMI and exercising regularly can have a protective effect. There's also a strong correlation between decreased breast cancer risk and having our kids younger, in our 20s, and breastfeeding for longer. The key message for younger women Van Henderson says, is to start being breast aware at a young age and stay that way. "I'm always devastated when I get a call from a young woman who's been diagnosed with breast cancer before she even had a chance to have her first mammogram. We can't prevent breast cancer, but when we catch it early, a woman's chances are so much better. My plea to all young women out there is to make your breast health a priority. Start today and don't stop." Adele Gautier is Communications Manager for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. If you have a FIRST DEGREE RELATIVE (mother or sister) who developed breast or ovarian cancer before age 50, you need to start having mammograms 10 YEARS BEFORE the age they were diagnosed. Don't forget