Mothers should teach their daughters as young as 12 about how to check their breasts for signs of cancer, according to the McGrath Foundation.
The recommendation follows research pointing to new risk factors, as the organisation warns women should learn to distinguish them from common myths.
The foundation's second annual McGrath Breast Health Index revealed a variety of factors could increase women's chances of getting breast cancer, including taking the contraceptive pill
Women who were overweight after menopause were also highlighted as being at risk, along with those who weren't physically active, had a previous breast condition or used combined menopausal hormone therapy.
The index reported one in six women were prone to believing common myths about factors contributing to breast cancer, like wearing an underwire bra.
While one in five thought simply wearing deodorant could put them at risk.
Research found women were more likely to conduct regular self-checks if they were taught about breast health from an early age by their mother.
'It's really vital and important we are talking about this and mothers feel responsible for teaching their daughters,' McGrath Foundation director Tracy Bevan told the Daily Telegraph.
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