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Breast Cancer - How you can spot the early signs

The recent Covid 19 pandemic has had a huge impact on breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, fundraising and research. Many patients have put off seeking help during this difficult time, so it is more important than ever to remind us all how to spot the early signs of breast cancer.

The NHS Breast screening Programme has a five point breast awareness plan:

It is common to have breasts that are different sizes, nipples that invert (point inwards) , breast pain or lumpiness especially at different times of the month. What is important is spotting a change in your breasts. If these things are new then it is time to get things checked out

A good way to do this is to look at your breasts regularly, standing in front of the mirror with your arms at your sides and raised up over your head.

Look for dimples, puckering, skin changes, a rash or redness. Also look out for discharge or bleeding from the nipple, or crusting or scaling like eczema in the nipple area.

Then feel each breast from the collarbone and round into the armpits. Some people find doing this in the bath or shower easiest. Feel for lumps, swellings, thickenings or hard areas – looking out for anything that wasn’t there before .

If you find any of these changes – don’t panic, there are explanations other than cancer, but it is important to see your GP to check. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome, so prompt action is key.

Breast cancer is not caused by one thing, rather a combination of factors contribute to anyone’s individual risk. Some of them we have control over and some we do not.

Getting older is the biggest risk factor, with most diagnoses happening after the age of 50. However, it is not uncommon in women younger than this, so it is important that younger women with concerning symptoms see their GP.

Being overweight or obese can significantly increase your risk of breast cancer . Maintaining a healthy weight, especially after the menopause, is important in reducing your risk of developing breast cancer. There is also evidence that regular exercise can reduce your risk of breast cancer by almost a third.

Alcohol and smoking have both been linked to higher rates of breast cancer. Compared with women who don’t drink at all, women who have three alcoholic drinks a week have a 15% higher risk of breast cancer.

Hormone Replacement Therapy – Combined HRT - is associated with a small increase in the risk of breast cancer, however there is little or no risk if you take oestrogen only HRT. The increased risk is related to how long you take it and generally the benefits outweigh the risks. If you have concerns you can talk to your GP about this.

Then there are genetic risk factors. Some patients delay seeking help as they do not have breast cancer in their family, however only five to ten percent of breast cancers are hereditary. So most breast cancers are diagnosed in patients without a strong family history. Early screening or investigation may be needed if you have: a relative diagnosed before the age of 40, more than one close relative affected, a male in your family with breast cancer, relatives who have had breast cancer in both breasts or who have also had ovarian cancer.

Further information can be found at: www.breastcancernow.org

Dr Rachel Tyler, Stirling Road Surgery, St Budeaux

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