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Breast Cancer Awareness

In the UK there are over 30,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed every year. Less than 1 in a 100 are men and overall about 1 in 12 women will develop some form of breast cancer during their lives. It is very unusual in women under the age of 25.

Breasts (Mammary Glands) are glandular organs that produce milk at the time of childbirth and change constantly from puberty onwards as well as within the menstrual cycle and of course during pregnancy. Breast tissue changes with age and most problems – tenderness, pain, lumpiness and sore nipples – are connected to the development and ageing process and generally are not long term problems.

However if you have severe and longer lasting problems then this is when treatment and advice needs to be sought. Symptoms can include breasts changing shape or size, swelling around the armpits, rash and bloody discharge from nipples, constant pain in the breast area.

Being breast aware means knowing how your breasts look and feel normally so you notice any unusual changes. Look and feel your breasts when it suits and feels comfortable for you.

The breast awareness 5-point code

1. Know what is normal for you
2. Know what changes to look and feel for
3. Look and feel
4. Report any changes to your GP without delay
5. Attend for routine breast screening if you are aged 50 or over

All women over 50 should now be screened every 3 years for Breast Cancer initial accessing this screening is via your GP.

If you are waiting for your appointment remember most breast examinations turn out benign.

Useful Links and Contacts

Breast Cancer Care is a leading provider of breast cancer information and support across the UK. Services are free and include a Helpline, website, publications, practical and emotional help.

Website www.breastcancercare.org.uk/Home

Breast Clinic or Breast Screening Unit www.breastcancercare.org.uk/Breasthealth

Helpline 0808 800 6000

Cancer BACUP

Provide cancer patients and their families the up-to-date information, practical advice and support they need to reduce the fear and uncertainty of cancer.

Website www.cancerbacup.org.uk/

Helpline 0808 800 1234 (Mon – Fri 9am – 7pm)

Look Good .... Feel Better is the cosmetics industry's charity and in essence they provide make up workshops for women undergoing cancer treatment. The visible side effects of treatment can include hair, eyebrow and eyelash loss along with skin problems and other disfiguring 'nasties'. Workshops are held in 37 locations across the UK and 16 countries worldwide to help women look like themselves again.

For further information check out www.lgfb.co.uk