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Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an international health campaign that’s held every October. The campaign aims to promote screening and prevention of the disease, whilst supporting those who have been diagnosed.
Breast cancer affects around 55,000 women in the UK each year, it is most common in over 50's, however 2,300 women under 40 are diagnosed each year and although rare, 370 men are diagnosed each year.
There are different types of breast cancer. Breast cancer can be non-invasive or invasive.
Non-invasive breast cancer stays within the ducts or lobules and is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
Invasive breast cancer is when the cancer cells spread outside the milk ducts or lobules where they first started.
Symptoms of breast cancer include:
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look darker, red or inflamed
A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
Rash or crusting around the nipple
Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
Changes in size or shape of the breast
If you notice any changes or a lump on your breasts, you should contact your GP to get checked. They will examine you and refer you to a breast clinic to see a specialist. From here you may be referred for other tests such as a mammogram, breast ultrasound or breast biopsy.
Help and support is available for anyone diagnosed, or affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. Your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment, and they will also be able to give you information about local support services and charities.
Anyone can get breast cancer. Get to know your normal by checking your breasts regularly.
Touch your breasts
Look for changes
Check anything new or unusual with a GP
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