People are being urged to know their bodies and check for changes this breast cancer awareness month.
October marks breast cancer awareness month, which according to the NHS, is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.
Earlier this year, the ECHO reported how Cheryl Scott began to feel more tired back in 2019 and was experiencing "night sweats" and put it down to being busy. But after finding a lump on holiday, she was soon given a diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Sharing her journey in the hopes of raising awareness, she urged everyone to "check yourselves". Similarly, Kirsty Guy from Ellesmere Port, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019 whilst 15 weeks pregnant with her youngest child.
With treatment, she went on to live cancer free for two years, but in April the mum was told the cancer had returned and this time it had spread to her lungs, liver and sternum. Kirsty was also given the devastating news that she had months left to live and the cancer was treatable, not curable.
Around one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, but there is a good chance of recovery if it's detected at an early stage. That is why people are being urged to check their breasts regularly for any changes.
Red flag signs
Breast cancer can have several symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- dimpling on the skin of your breasts
- a rash on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
- Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
Around 350 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year, making it one of the least common types of the disease. Dr Alexandra Haas, radiation oncologist at the leading cancer treatment facility Proton Therapy Center Prague said many people think breast cancer only affects women.
The Dr added: "Unfortunately, many men overlook the symptoms and therefore get diagnosed and treated later than female patients. As with most types of cancer, early detection can be a lifesaver and it’s important that we know the warning signs associated with the disease.
"Men should be on alert for changes to the size or shape of the chest, small, painless lumps in the chest and armpit area and any signs of swelling in those areas, too. Other red flags include a sudden inversion of the nipple, a rash, bleeding or oozing from the nipple and a skin ulcer in the affected area."
Causes of breast cancer
According to the NHS, the exact causes are not fully understood. However, your risk increases with age, family history, previous diagnosis, being tall, overweight or obese and drinking alcohol.
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