The increase in the incidence of breast cancer has been blamed on everything from stress to underarm deodorant.

Dr Helen Zorbas of the National Breast Cancer Centre says many women are confused about what puts them at risk of developing the illness.

"One in three women think that a knock or bump to the breast increases their risk significantly yet they don't believe that alcohol poses any risk for breast cancer," she said.

At today's annual pink ribbon breakfast, the National Breast Cancer Centre launched a new interactive risk calculator.

Women are asked about a range of factors including age, family history, alcohol intake and use of hormones.

Pam Bell had breast cancer nine years ago and she did not realise she was at risk.

"The very fact I'm a woman, and my age, I'd taken HRT for many many years. I wasn't obese but I was overweight and I certainly wasn't into exercise, so I was unaware," she said.

While nothing can be done about some risk factors, 15 per cent of breast cancers could be avoided by reducing alcohol intake and boosting exercising.

The calculator is being run by national breast cancer centre on their web site which is: www.nbcc.org.au.

Meanwhile, scientists say a new research collaboration could see survival rates for many cancers increase.

Professor Michelle Haber from the Children's Cancer Institute says the Lowy Cancer Centre is an Australian first, bringing childhood and adult cancer research together at the one site.

"The vision of the Institute is to work to curing 100 per cent of children diagnosed with cancer," she said.

The facility will be one of the largest research centres in the southern hemisphere. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation