Breast Cancer
One in nine women in the UK will develop breast cancer at some point in their life - more than 45,000 cases are diagnosed each year. It has become the most common cancer in the UK and is the leading cause of death for women aged 34 to 54.
Your breasts are made up of fat, connective tissue and thousands of tiny glands, known as lobules, which produce milk. When a woman has a baby, the milk is delivered to the nipple through tiny tubes called ducts, which allow her to breastfeed.
Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms but usually shows as a lump or thickening in the breast tissue (although most breast lumps are not cancerous). If cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be treated before it spreads to nearby parts of the body.
From around your mid-30s onwards the breasts begin to age and the glandular tissue is gradually replaced by fat. As hormone levels fall during and after the menopause your breasts may change size, lose their firmness and may sag. Breast lumps are common at this time, these often turn out to be breast cysts (benign fluid-filled sacs) but it very important that if you notice any changes or lumps in your breasts you go to your doctor for a check up.
Breast cancer is not only a female disease, men can also have breast cancer; it is important that you make your partner and / or male members of your family aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Know your breasts
Whatever your age, size or shape it’s important to take care of your breasts. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, so it’s important to look after your breasts by being breast aware.
Being breast aware means getting to know your breasts, how they look and feel, so you know what is normal for you. You can then feel more confident about noticing any unusual changes. Your breasts change throughout your menstrual cycle and at some times in the month may feel lumpier than at others. It is important that you get to know these changes and know what is normal for your breasts.
How do I check my breasts?
Remember to check all parts of your breast, into your armpits, your nipple and up to your collarbone. Use three flat fingers and press firmly with circular movements around your breast.
What to look out for
Changes that could be due to a breast cancer are:
- A lump or thickening in an area of the breast
- A change in the size or shape of a breast
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- A change in the shape of your nipple, particularly if it turns in (inverted), sinks into the breast or becomes irregular in shape
- A blood stained discharge from the nipple
- A rash on a nipple or surrounding area
- A swelling or lump in your armpit
Remember
If you notice any changes in your breasts you should get it checked out immediately by your doctor.
