Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2021
October is breast cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There’s a good chance of recovery if it’s detected at an early stage. Meaning it is vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP. In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Find out more about breast cancer in men.
You should see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:
- feel a lump of any size
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Preventing breast cancer
Breast cancer can affect anyone but a healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing the disease.
- maintain a healthy weight
- exercise regularly
- have a low intake of saturated fat
- limit alcohol intake
- breastfeed if you have a child
Breast cancer in women – Prevention – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Support:
If you have a query about breast cancer or breast health, you want to talk things through or find support, Breast Cancer Now breast care nurses are here for you.
Call free on: 0808 800 6000
- Monday to Friday — 9am to 4pm and Saturdays — 9am to 1pm
The helpline have access to a telephone interpreting service, in over 240 languages, and the Relay UK – prefix is 18001. You can also email the nurses at: Ask our Nurses | Breast Cancer Now