Get ready to see a whole lot of pink, as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every year nearly 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK, which is equal to one person every 10 minutes.
One in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. Nearly a fifth of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer after spotting a potential symptom, wait over a month before seeing their GP, and 5% of women wait over six months.
So what are the signs you should be looking out for? Clinical Director at Breast Cancer Care Dr Emma Pennery explains the checks that every woman should make for breast cancer...
1. Whatever your age, it’s important to get to know your breasts and what’s normal for you.
2. Look for any changes in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling, redness or a rash, a change in the position or shape of your nipple, or a change in the size or shape of your breasts.
3. Also look and feel for any lumps or thickening, any discharge from your nipples and constant pain or swelling in your breast or armpit.
4. Remember to check all parts of your breast, including your armpits and up to your collarbone.
5. Knowing what signs to look for can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer. The sooner breast cancer is found, the more likely it will be treated effectively.
6. If you notice any unusual breast changes go and see your GP as soon as possible.
7. Not all changes will be breast cancer, but if you are diagnosed your specialist team will then discuss your treatment options with you.
For care, support and information from day one, call Breast Cancer Care’s nurses free on 0808 800 6000 or visit breastcancercare.org.uk.