Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
- Lump or swelling in breast, upper chest or armpit
- A change is shape or size to the breast
- Discharge from the nipple
- A change of colour to the breast
- Inverted nipple
- Rash or crusting around the nipple area
**If you do notice any of these symptoms it does not mean you have breast cancer but it is always best to get checked by a clinician**
Remember TLC…
- T – Touch your breasts – are they any changes?
- L – Look at your breasts – can you see any visible changes?
- C – Check – always get checked if there are any changes or something is worrying you
Screening
Like a lot of health problems they are not always visible. Women between the ages of 50 and 71 are called every 3 years for screening – a mammogram. This screening is used to look for and determine any changes to the breast such as lumps and bumps which are too small to see or feel.
You are automatically invited for this screening through your GP Surgery. It is strongly recommended that you respond to the invites and book in for your screening as soon as you can. If there are signs of potential cancer then the earlier it is caught the more likely patients are to respond to cancer treatments.
Referrals and Recalls
If you have been seen in your GP Surgery regarding a change to your breast which has then led to a referral to the Hospital. Please remember that this does not mean you have breast cancer. It is simply an additional check to determine what is going on and what it is you can see or feel.
Been recalled to repeat a mammogram or further tests does not mean that you have cancer. Been recalled could mean that there have been minor changes to your breast since your last mammogram or slight changes between the breasts. You could also be recalled and double checked if you have noticed any changes to your breast. You are more likely to be recalled after your first mammogram.
Around 4/100 women who have been screened are recalled, 3 of 4 will not have breast cancer.
Find out how you can get involved in raising awareness and money to help the research of breast cancer
Breast Cancer Now | The research and support charity
On 27th October #wearitpink to help raise breast cancer awareness