Successful breast checks could be in your own hands
28 September 2018
It is time that more women get to ‘know their breasts’ say medical experts, as campaign groups and charities throughout the UK prepare to support Breast Awareness Month.
Figures from Cancer Research UK (CRUK) show that one in eight women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer – that amounts to around 60,000 new cases every year.
Although increased awareness, breast screening and constantly improving treatments are continuing to improve outcomes, women are also being told the route to even better statistics could be in their own hands!
“Without any doubt, earlier detection and diagnosis leads to improved patient outcomes. This means we need to ensure that every woman knows how to carry out effective self-examination and, just as importantly, what to do if she thinks something is wrong,” said Miss Lyndsey Highton, Consultant Breast and Plastic Surgeon at Spire Manchester Hospital in Didsbury.
“I encourage all women to get to know their breasts. If they know what feels normal for them, they will be in a much better position to notice any changes.”
Figures from CRUK show that around eight out of 10 women survive their disease for ten years or more, compared with four out of 10 back in the 1970s. Figures for surviving for five years or more are even higher at almost nine out of 10.
“These are impressive figures and show we are making good progress in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer,” said Miss Highton. "But the hard facts are that there are still around 12,000 UK women dying of breast cancer every year.
“Although finding a lump in your breast does not always signify breast cancer, it should mean the woman arranges an early appointment with her GP. They will then receive informed advice and, if necessary, be placed on the proper healthcare pathway to undergo the necessary investigations.”
For more information on how to carry out self-checks visit:
www.breastcancercare.org.uk/information-support/have-i-got-breast-cancer/checking-your-breasts