October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

4th October 2021

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month

Stockport Council, NHS Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group and their health partners are urging everyone to regularly check for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

This annual campaign highlights the importance of breast cancer awareness, education and research.

Breast cancer can affect anyone and is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK but when detected in the early stages there is a good chance of recovery.

Possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer can include:
• a lump in the breast
• thickening of the skin or tissue of the breast, or dimpling of the skin of the breast
• a lump or swelling in either armpit
• a change in the shape or size of the breast, such as swelling in all or part of the breast
• a nipple turning in (inverted nipple)
• a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
• discharge or bleeding from the nipple
• pain or discomfort in the breast that does not go away, but this is rare.

Getting into the habit of checking your breasts every month means you get to know what is normal for you. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms or anything that is unusual for you, you should contact your GP.

Councillor Jude Wells, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health at Stockport Council said:

‘‘I strongly urge everyone to make checking your breasts part of your regular self-care routine. I know that the hardest thing is often turning something into a habit, so don’t just do it in October while it’s fresh in your mind, set yourself a reminder for every month. And you could encourage your family and friends to do the same.

‘’There are also healthy lifestyle choices you can make which can help to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, things like keeping active, cutting back on alcohol, eating a balanced diet and stopping smoking. Our Healthy Stockport website has loads of information and resources to help you make healthy choices and links to local support if you need some extra help.”

Dr Cath Munro, Chair of Stockport Clinical Commissioning Group, added:

“If you notice a lump in your breast, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. It‘s important to get anything unusual checked out as early as you can. GPs want to see patients who have worrying symptoms so that we can reassure you or refer you for further assessment if needed.”

To find out more about how to check your breasts watch this short video from Breast Cancer Now.

Coppa Feel has information and how to check yourself.

The NHS guidance on breast cancer symptoms, and how to check, can be found on their website.

This year you can “wear it pink” to help raise awareness for people with breast cancer. Find out how to get involved this year.

For healthy lifestyle information visit Healthy Stockport.