The seven signs and symptoms of breast cancer you cannot afford to ignore

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. around one in seven women will be diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime.

According to the NHS, most women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but it also affects younger people. With an early diagnosis, chances of recovery are very good.

Welsh Strictly star Amy Dowden revealed on Wednesday that she was diagnosed with grade 3 breast cancer last week, after first discovering a lump in her breast in April. She said her first thought was "When can I get back on the dance floor?"

Read more: Amy Dowden's heartbreaking years of health battles as she reveals she has breast cancer

Amy told Hello! magazine: "My doctor explained to me that there are three grades, and three is the most aggressive, but they feel like they've caught mine early and to not be too alarmed because grade 3 would be expected in somebody of my age."

She revealed she is still waiting for her treatment plan, and does not know what stage the cancer is at yet. Amy has decided to open up about her diagnosis to raise awareness of the disease, just as she has done with her Chrohn's condition.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

According to the NHS, most lumps in the breast are not cancerous, but it is always best to have them checked by a doctor. There are seven main signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and it is important to see a GP if you have any of the following:

1. A new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breasts that was not there before
2. A change in the size or shape of either one or both breasts
3. A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
4. A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
5. A change in the look or the feel of your skin, such as puckering, or dimpling, a rash or redness
6. A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around the nipple
7. A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast

Breast pain isn't usually a sign of breast cancer. Women are encouraged to be breast aware and to regularly carry out a breast check so they notice any changes as soon as they may appear.

How to check your breasts

There isn't a right or wrong way to carry out a breast check. The most important part is to do it regularly enough so you know how your breasts look and feel. This will help you spot any changes as soon as they may appear.

The NHS advises that a woman do the following: "Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised."

It is also important to check your breasts at different times of the month so you get to know any changes that may occur in line with your menstrual cycle. This could include, for some women, tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period. After the menopause, breasts may feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.

The NHS has produced a five-point plan for being breast aware:

• know what's normal for you
• look at your breasts and feel them
• know what changes to look for
• report any changes to a GP without delay
• attend routine screening if you're aged 50 to 70

Read next:

• Man diagnosed with breast cancer encourages others to check their bodies

• 'I found out I had breast cancer at 26 and now my mum is having a double mastectomy too'

• 'I had a double mastectomy because my mum and sister had died from breast cancer but I was left feeling cheated'

• Mum and daughter diagnosed with breast cancer within week of each other

• Mum trained for a marathon during radiotherapy for breast cancer