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Health and wellbeing / Breast Awareness
Breast Awareness
Breast cancer causes more than 12,500 deaths a year in the UK.
It is the most common cancer in the UK and accounts for almost 30% of all cancer cases in women.
Most cases will occur in menopausal women.
It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 35.
It is the most common cause of cancer death in the UK after lung and bowel cancer.
Survival rates beyond 5 years are improving. This is probably due to increased breast awareness, earlier detection and improved treatment.
It is estimated that around 172,000 women are alive in the UK who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last ten years.
80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50
Men can get breast cancer but this is very rare. Around 300 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
The older you are the higher the risk of getting breast cancer.
Having had breast cancer before increases the risk of contracting the disease again in the future.
Taking the contraceptive pill or HRT causes a small risk increase.
Being over weight can increase the likelihood of contracting breast cancer
Women with a strong family history of breast cancer may have an increased risk. But most women with only one or two affected relatives will never contract the disease.
The 5 Point Breast Awareness Code:
Know what is normal for your breasts
Know what changes to look and feel for in your breasts
Look and feel once a month several days after your period
Report any changes to your GP
Always attend regular screening if you are over 50
Statistics published by Cancer research UK 2004
Breast awareness and Self Examination
You should understand how your breasts may change at different times of the month and as you age. For some women they may feel swollen during their period, other women have this all the time. Age, Pregnancy, HRT and the menopause can all affect the size and feel of your breasts. Make sure you know what is normal for you. That way any changes can be detected early. The majority of lumps turn out to be benign so spotting a change early can be lifesaving.
How to perform an examination
Try doing it in the shower when you are relaxed.
Look at your breasts in the mirror for any unusual changes such as:
A change in the shape or size of the breast and nipple.
Any change in the position or a slight colouring of the nipple
Any dimpling of the skin.
Feel for anything that is not normally there.
A lump or swelling that feels different to the rest of your breast tissue
A lump or swelling In your armpit, arm or around your collar bone
Discharge from one or both nipples.
Pain in the breast, arm or armpit that is new to you.
Don’t panic if you feel a lump, most women at some point will feel that they have lumpy breasts and most of these will turn out to be non-cancerous lumps.