Breast cancer statistics:
- Breast cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK, with nearly 46,000 new cases being diagnosed each year.
- The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in women, but approximately 300 men are also diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year.
- Someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every 11 minutes in the UK.
Breast cancer statistics:
- 80% of the cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year occur in women aged over 50.
- However, around 8,000 women aged under 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
- Survival rates are improving and now 8 out of 10 women will survive beyond five years.
- In the 1970s, only 5 out of 10 women survived beyond five years.
Breast awareness:
- Being breast aware means getting to know how your breasts look and feel normally so that you can spot any changes that are unusual for you.
- There is no set way to check your breasts and you don't have to do it at the same time every month.
- Get into the habit of looking at and feeling your breasts from time to time.
Breast awareness:
- Some people do it when they are undressing or when they are in the bath or shower. You can decide what you are comfortable with and when this is most convenient for you.
- One thing that is important is to feel all parts of the breast, from high up on the front of your chest, down and around in to your armpit.
The 5 point breast awareness code:
1) Know what is normal for you
2) Know what changes to look and feel for
3) Look and feel
4) Report any changes to your GP immediately
5) Attend routine breast screening if you are aged 50 and over
Things you should look out for are:
- A change in size – it may be that one breast has become noticeably larger or noticeably lower.
- A nipple has become inverted (pulled in) or changed its position or shape.
- A rash on or around the nipple.
- Discharge from one or both nipples.
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin.
- A swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone.
- A lump or thickening in your breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue.
- Constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit.
What to do if you notice a change:
If you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important that you report these to your GP immediately.
The vast majority of breast changes will not be cancer, but it is vital that you have these checked by a medical professional. Anyone who has concerns about breast health or breast cancer can call Breast Cancer Care's freephone helpline on 0808 800 6000 or visit Breast Cancer Care
Breast cancer risk factors – the facts from the fiction:
Breast cancer is mainly a hereditary disease:
- Breast cancer can run in families, but fewer than 10% of cases are a result of family history.
Deodorants can cause breast cancer:
- There is no hard evidence to prove or disprove this myth, which has caused unnecessary distress for a lot of women.
Wearing an underwired bra can cause breast cancer:
- There is no evidence to support this.
Having a pierced nipple can cause breast cancer:
- There is no evidence to support this.
How can I reduce my risk of developing breast cancer?
Many risk factors, such as getting older are outside of your control. However there are some lifestyle changes which may help to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer:
- Keeping your weight within healthy limits and eating healthily, especially after the menopause
- Taking regular exercise and keeping active
- Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink
Ways to get involved with Breast Cancer Care:
- Breast Cancer Care is there for anyone affected by breast cancer. They bring people together, provide information and support, and campaign for improved standards of care.
- By using their understanding of people's experience of breast cancer and their clinical expertise in everything they do.
Visit Breast Cancer Care or call 0808 800 6000