Breast cancer is common in Australia, but for people living with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the conversation needs to start earlier. In the general population, breast cancer risk increases with age, and most cases occur in women over 50. For women with NF1, however, the risk of developing breast cancer before 50 is five times higher than for women without NF1. This means breast awareness and screening plans should not be left until midlife.