Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast tissue.
Although breast cancer is more common in women, it can affect anyone. Finding breast cancer early gives you the best chance of successful treatment. That’s why it’s important to know what’s normal for your body and speak to your doctor if you notice a change that doesn’t go away.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
It’s important to get any symptoms checked, even if they don’t seem serious. Most of the time they won’t be cancer, but it’s always best to find out.
Common symptoms include:
- A new lump or area of thick tissue in your breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- Fluid leaking from the nipple (if you are not pregnant or nursing)
- A change in your skin, like dimpling, puckering, or redness
- Unusual nipple discharge, especially if it contains blood.
- A nipple that turns inwards or a rash around the nipple area
- Constant pain in the breast or armpit
If you notice any of these symptoms, or something that isn’t normal for you, contact your doctor.
If you’re worried about any cancer symptoms, your doctor will want to see you. Book an appointment.
Are you at risk of Breast Cancer?
Anyone can develop breast cancer, but some things can increase your risk, including:
Getting older
Having a close family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
Having certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Drinking alcohol regularly.
Being physically inactive.
Being overweight, particularly after the menopause.
You can reduce your risk of cancer by making healthier lifestyle choices. Find out more about reducing your risk of cancer by clicking here.
Common myths around Breast Cancer
- Myth“Breast screening is painful”
- Myth“My breasts are too small to be screened”
- Myth“My breasts are too big to be screened”
- Myth“I have breast implants so I don’t need to be screened”
- The FactsBreast screening will be uncomfortable and may be painful. But it just takes a few moments and the discomfort is soon over.
- The FactsDon’t worry, everyone has enough breast tissue for a mammogram.
- The FactsIt is sometimes a little trickier to x-ray very large breasts, but they won’t be too big. It might mean a couple of extra images.
- The FactsA mammogram is still the best way to detect early breast cancer, even if you have breast implants. But a small amount of the breast tissue might be hidden by the implant. This means that it is not as easy to see all the breast tissue, and you may have more x-rays taken. This will help the doctor see as much of the breast tissue as possible. It is important to let the screening unit staff know that you have implants before your mammogram.
Useful Resources
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