A GP has explained the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and how to check yourself for the disease, after Strictly Come Dancing Star Amy Dowden revealed she has been diagnosed with the illness. Caerphilly-born Dowden, who joined the BBC dance competition show in 2017, shared the news on Instagram, telling fans that she is “determined” to return to the dance floor as soon as she can.
The 32-year-old wrote: “Hey all, I’ve got some news which isn’t easy to share. I’ve recently been diagnosed with breast cancer but I’m determined to get back on that dance floor before you know it.”
Dowden added a pink love heart, signing off with “Welsh love Amy” with a kiss. She said she found a lump in her breast in April, the day before going to the Maldives on her honeymoon with fellow professional dancer Ben Jones, and hopes to raise awareness of the disease.
Dr Chun Tang the Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical, said there are a number of symptoms to watch for - and he explained how and when tp check yourself.
Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in the UK, with about 1 in 8 women diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. It is one of the most manageable cancers with promising treatment options available if it's detected at an early stage.
For this reason, it is vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes, using their eyes and hands to determine if there are any changes to the look and feel of their breasts. 40% of breast cancers are diagnosed by women who have felt a lump when checking their breasts.
Woman of all ages are recommended to examine their breasts at least once a month, preferably after their period. Women who do not experience periods are advised to choose a specific day in the month and to repeat the check each month on the same date.
Every woman’s breasts are different, and there’s no single right or wrong method of checking them. The important thing is to get used to how your breasts normally look and feel so you can spot any changes quickly.
There are three techniques of inspection:
· Place both hands either side of your body and look at your breasts for any signs of swelling, lumps or puckering or swelling. Also ensure you check the nipples for evidence of cracks or inversion
· Next, place both hands above your head and look down at your breasts for any hidden swelling or lumps
· Finally, place the palms of hands either side of hips – gently lean forward and look to identify any puckering or skin dimpling that wasn’t previously visible
Once the inspection process is complete you can move on to the palpation process:
· Use the three middle fingers of your hand to check the breast on the opposite side of your body. Ensure you use the palm of your fingers rather than the fingertips.
· It is useful to follow a pattern to ensure all areas are being checked, try moving in circular strokes from the nipple proceeding outwards.
· It’s important that the whole breast area is covered, this includes the collar bone area, breastbone area, under the breast and finally covering the entire armpit area.
· For the final stage of the palpation process you should lie down with one hand above your head, gently palpate your breasts as above for any lumps.
This video demonstrates the process.
Women over 50 should also attend a mammogram, or breast cancer screening, and check-up every three years until they turn 71, which is one of the main ways to detect cancer early.
Does a lump always means it could be breast cancer, or might it be something else? What should you do if you find a lump?
It is possible to feel lumps in your breast for all sorts of reasons, and it doesn’t always mean it’s cancer. Many women experience tenderness and lumpiness at various times during their menstrual cycle, especially close to their period. It’s important to be familiar with these natural changes so you can spot anything that’s out of the ordinary.
However, if you find a lump, or other changes in your breast that are not normal for you, it's best to see a GP as soon as possible to determine whether it’s something serious, so any treatment can be planned quickly.
Are there any other symptoms of breast cancer that people might not be aware of?
In addition to a lump on the breast, upper chest or armpit, the following changes can also be symptoms of breast cancer. You should see a GP if you experience any of these:
- The breast area may be “lumpy” or the breast tissue may be unusually thick.
- Unusual pain either in the breast or armpit.
- Skin texture — this could be “dimpling” or “puckering” or the breast.
- The breast may change in shape or size, I.e. one breast may become larger / lower than the other breast.
- Change in colour — the breast may be red or inflamed.
- Change in appearance or direction of the nipple — one nipple may become inverted when it normally points out.
- Nipple discharge from one or both breasts.
- Rash or crusting around the breast or surrounding areas.
Is breast cancer genetic? What else might raise your risk?
There are certain factors that are known to increase the risk of breast cancer, including a family history of breast cancer.
If you have close relatives who have had breast cancer or ovarian cancer, you may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer. However, because breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, it's possible for it to occur in more than one family member by chance.
Speak to a GP if breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family and you're worried you may get it too. They may refer you for an NHS genetic test, which will tell you if you have inherited one of the cancer-risk genes.
Other risk factors for developing breast cancer include age, a previous diagnosis of breast cancer, a previous non-cancerous breast lump, being tall, overweight or obese, or drinking alcohol.
Can certain deodorant cause breast cancer? Is there any evidence?
Using deodorants, antiperspirants and body sprays does not cause cancer.
Some people have wondered if aluminium in some deodorants and sprays affects cancer risk. But there is no good evidence to suggest a link.
The NHS tells people not to use spray deodorants before going for breast screening. This is not because deodorants are dangerous, but because they can affect screening results.
Does wearing a bra/not wearing bra affect your chances of having breast cancer?
There is no evidence to back the claims that underwire bras or wearing a bra at night are causes of breast cancer.
