A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer

11th October 2016

A lump isn’t the only sign of breast cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness and raise funds for research.

Despite the fact that 1 in 8 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, many women are unaware of any of its symptoms other than a lump.

But it’s vitally important that women know the signs so they can seek medical attention as soon as possible because the earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the chance of beating it.

Women know their own bodies better than anyone so they are best placed to notice any subtle changes that might indicate that there is a problem.

So In Breast Cancer Awareness month, health leaders in Stockport are asking women to get in the routine of being breast aware by following three simple steps:

• Look at and feel your breasts so you know what’s normal for you.
• Do this regularly to check for changes.
• Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any change.

The sort of changes you should be on the lookout for are changes in breast shape or size, any puckering or dimpling of the skin, or redness or a rash on the breast.

It’s also really important to go for your routine breast screening appointment. One in four women in Stockport still don’t bother to go for theirs.

Even if you regularly check your breasts, a mammogram’s vital as it can detect early changes that you won’t be able to notice.

And if you are over 70 don’t think it’s not your issue. The chances of getting breast cancer increase with age so checking yourself is just as important as you get older and you can still request a mammogram every 3 years.

Dr. Karen McEwan, NHS Stockport CCG’s Macmillan GP, said “There have been many awareness raising campaigns around breast cancer symptoms but we know the job still isn’t done.

“We know some women delay visiting their GP because perhaps they don’t realise their symptom is a sign of cancer or it may be because of a fear of being diagnosed.

“We know how scary it can be to find a breast change but we want to reassure women that an early diagnosis can mean simpler and more effective treatment.

“We are urging women of any age to get to know their body by looking at and feeling their breasts regularly – there’s no right or wrong way – and if they find any unusual changes for them to not put off visiting their GP.”

Trust your instincts – even if it’s not a lump or another common symptom, if it feels different got to your GP.