Breast Cancer Research
Help back the next breakthrough
Breast Cancer at a Glance
It's estimated that around 20,336 Australians were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025*, making it the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in the country.
*Source: Cancer Australia
Continued research is critical to improving outcomes. Cure Cancer supports emerging researchers investigating new ways to detect, understand and treat cancer, including breast cancer.
Our Breast Cancer Research
“Writing grant applications takes a significant portion of time, which is why Cure Cancer’s new streamlined two-step application process was so excellent. We need more funding schemes like this that are targeted at emerging researchers. Funding them will ensure we don’t lose their valuable skills and enthusiasm, thereby fostering the next generation of bright scientists in Australia!”
- Dr Kellie Mouchemore, a Cure Cancer grant recipient
Meet some of our Breast Cancer Researchers
Dr Chen Li
Dr Li uses computational bioinformatics to identify altered protein complexes behind how triple-negative breast cancer evades immune detection, aiming to uncover new diagnostic and immunotherapy targets for a cancer type that currently has no clinically available immunotherapy.
Dr Kellie Mouchemore
Dr Kellie Mouchemore is mapping gene activity in triple-negative breast cancer tumours to find new biomarkers that predict immunotherapy response, aiming to make treatment more precise and effective.
Dr Luis Lara Gonzalez
Dr Gonzalez is tracking how metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer evolves and resists treatment by analysing genetic changes across tumour samples collected from diagnosis to death, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind drug resistance and pave the way for more personalised, effective therapies.
Dr Susan Christo
Dr Christo is investigating how certain cancer-fighting immune cells naturally survive radiotherapy, aiming to develop a "molecular shield" that protects patients' own immune cells during radiation treatment to improve cancer clearance and outcomes.
Breast Cancer in Australia
Our Breast Cancer Stories
Triple negative breast cancer: Nicole's life-changing journey
It takes a village: Katrina's metastatic breast cancer story
What you need to know about breast cancer: prevention, detection and next steps
Why Research Funding Matters
Many of Australia's leading cancer researchers received funding from Cure Cancer at the earliest stages of their careers. Some have gone on to make discoveries recognised around the world.
Emerging researchers drive the breakthroughs that shape how cancer is understood and treated - but early-career funding is scarce and highly competitive. Every donation helps Cure Cancer back the next generation of researchers in Australia, across all cancer types.
How Your Donation Helps
$75
Can help fund an hour of research
$125
Can help fund microscopy imaging to look for immune cells in tumours
$550
Can help fund lab supplies for up to ten vital experiments
$1,000
Can help provide cutting-edge software to analyse cells
Learn More About Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow in an uncontrolled way and can start in the ducts or the lobules (milk sacks) of the breast. Cancer that remains in the ducts or lobules is called non-invasive breast cancer. If the cancer spreads, it becomes invasive cancer.
Breast cancer is not sex-specific but is far more common in people assigned female at birth. It is estimated that in 2025, 20,336* new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed (including 207 diagnoses in people assigned male at birth), making it the second commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia. *Source: Cancer Australia
Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include increasing age, family history, inheritance of mutations in the genes BRCA2, BRCA1 and CHEK2, and/or a menstrual cycle that began before the age of 12.
What are the types of breast cancer?
Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. This type of cancer forms in the lining of a milk duct within your breast. Ductal carcinoma can remain within the ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ), or it can break out of the ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma)
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis that is notorious for affecting younger women under 50 years. It lacks the 3 features commonly found on breast cancer cells (oestrogen, progesterone and HER2 receptors), which are typically targeted during breast cancer treatment.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer that stays within the lobules of the breast, where breast milk is produced. When it breaks out of the lobules, it's considered invasive lobular carcinoma. The lobules are connected to the ducts, which carry breast milk to the nipple.
Metastatic breast cancer (also called advanced breast cancer) is an invasive breast cancer that has spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
What are the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
- A lump or the sensation of lumpiness
- A change in size or shape of the breast
- Any changes to the nipple, including crusting, redness, inversion, or discharge
- Redness or dimpling of the skin on the breast
- Persistent pain in or around the breast
It is widely recommended to do a breast self-exam monthly, ideally a few days after your period ends if you still menstruate. You can find out more here.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
If you have any signs and symptoms, please see your GP. They will first perform a physical examination to check for any visible irregularities in your breasts. They may also ask about your medical history and any family history of breast cancer.
If necessary, the GP can then refer you for a mammogram, which may be followed by an ultrasound.
If breast cancer is suspected, some of the breast tissue will be removed and sent to a lab for examination. If cancer is detected, you may have additional scans to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.
How does breast cancer screening work?
Breast cancer screening is a vital, life-saving tool for detecting breast cancer at an early stage, when there are no signs or symptoms. The screening involves a mammogram, a type of low-dose x-ray that can detect changes which may be too small to be felt during a physical examination.
BreastScreen Australia is the national breast cancer screening program, which is available in each state and territory.
People assigned female at birth who are aged between 50-74 and have no breast cancer symptoms are encouraged to participate in a free breast cancer screening every 2 years. This is because the biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being assigned female at birth and increasing age.
People assigned female at birth aged between 40-49 years and aged 75 and over who have no breast cancer symptoms are also eligible for a free breast cancer screening every 2 years.
For more information, you can head to Cure Cancer's breast cancer screening and prevention resource here. You can also visit the BreastScreen Australia website and contact them on 13 20 50.
What is the prognosis for breast cancer?
Breast cancer is usually graded in stages from 1-4. Early breast cancer is stage 1 or 2. The cancer is contained in the breast and may or may not have spread to lymph nodes in the armpit.
Locally advanced breast cancer is stage 3. The cancer is larger than 5 cm, has spread to tissues around the breast, or has spread to a large number of lymph nodes.
Metastatic breast cancer is stage 4. This means breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It is also called secondary or advanced breast cancer.
A prognosis will depend on the stage and grade of the cancer. The lower the grade, the better the prognosis. The survival rate for people with breast cancer has increased significantly over time as a direct result of research. Breast cancer now has one of the highest 5-year survival rates when diagnosed early.
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