Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Joanie in Health Tips, Lifestyle Tips on 2 October 2022

Breast cancer is a scary thought & all too many women assume that it won’t happen to them. However the fact is, every 10 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer & it is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women that are diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50 but younger women also get breast cancer. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed during their lifetime. If breast cancer is discovered in its early stages, there is a great chance of recovery. This is why it is so crucial for all women to check their breasts on a regular basis & have their routine Mammograms.⠀ ⠀

Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Breast cancer can have a number of symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by your doctor.⠀ ⠀

You should also see your GP if you notice any of the following:⠀

🔴Change in the size or shape of one or both breasts⠀

🔴Discharge from any of your nipples which may be streaked with blood⠀

🔴A lump or swelling in either of your armpits⠀

🔴Dimpling on the skin of your breasts⠀

🔴A rash on or around your nipple⠀

🔴A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast.⠀ ⠀

🔴Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.⠀ ⠀

Even if none of these symptoms present themselves, a doctor should be visited to be sure. All women in the UK are invited for a Breast Cancer Screening (Mammogram) every 3 years. A mammogram examination can often detect cancer before any symptoms arise. ⠀ ⠀

Reducing your risk of Breast Cancer:⠀ ⠀

Cancer is often unpredictable and the causes of cancer are not fully understood, but there are things everyone can do to help reduce their cancer risk or improve their chances of beating the disease if they do get it. These lifestyle habits changes can also help lower your risk for other serious diseases & boost your odds of living a longer, healthier life.⠀

💖Maintain a Healthy Weight⠀

💖Exercise regularly⠀

💖Have a low intake of saturated Fat⠀ ⠀

💖Limit your intake of Alcohol⠀ ⠀

💖Don’t smoke⠀ ⠀