Self checks are still the most powerful weapon against breast cancer

There are three main risk factors when it comes to developing breast cancer - unfortunately there is very little you can actually do about any of them!

However, regular self checks and an awareness of what to look out for can help keep the number of successful-for-breast-cancer treatments on the rise, said Mr Mohsin Dani a Consultant Breast Surgeon at Spire Tunbridge Wells Hospital.

“The main risk is, unsurprisingly, being a woman,” he explained. “Over 99% of new cases of breast cancer are in women and there isn’t much you can do about that!

“The second biggest risk is getting older - more than 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 and the third is significant family history – although this isn’t as common as some may think, with around 5% of people diagnosed with breast cancer having inherited a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.”

But Mr Dani stressed that regular checks and early action are still the biggest weapons in a woman’s armoury when it comes to beating the disease and helping keep treatment success figures on the rise.

Figures from Cancer Research UK show that around 8 out of 10 women in England survive their disease for 10 years or more, compared with 4 out of 10 back in the 1970s. Figures for surviving for five years or more are even higher at almost 9 out of 10 – 87%.

“Without any doubt early detection leads to better treatment results. That means we need to ensure that every woman knows how to carry out effective self-check procedures and, just as importantly, what to do if she thinks something is wrong.

“The patient will then receive informed advice and, if necessary, be placed on the correct pathway for treatment” said Mr Dani.

Although finding a lump in your breast does not always signify breast cancer it is important that women ‘get to know’ their breasts so they could spot changes.“Many women will experience lumpy breasts just before their period; often this disappears after the period. However, it is important to keep checking and if the lump doesn’t go away then get it checked out by your GP,” said Mr Dani

Despite increasing survival rates CRUK says that about 60,000 people in the UK are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer every year, resulting in around 12,000 deaths.

Possible symptoms that can be found by self-examination:

· Painless lumps in the breast

· Changes in the size or shape of a breast

· Dimpling to the skin of the breast

· Thickened breast tissue

· Nipple inversion

· Lump or thickening behind the nipple

· Rash affecting the nipple

· Blood-stained discharge from the nipple

· Swelling or a new lump in the armpit

· Clear nipple discharge coming from one side

If you have any immediate concerns please visit your GP. Our One Stop Breast clinics are held on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. To book an appointment with one of our Breast Consultants call us on 01892 741150.