Breast Cancer Awareness Month!1 Oct

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer! This month is all about spreading awareness, how we can notice symptoms or help other people through their battle.

We can help you with all you need to know, and ways to get involved, here!

Breast cancer affects both men and women, something that is not commonly known. This cancer affects people who are usually over the age of 50 but can also affect those younger; there is a high chance of recovery too. 1 in 8 women are diagnosed, so it is vital to check regularly.

There are two main types of breast cancer; non-invasive and invasive. Non-invasive is found in the ducts and has not developed outside of the breast. Invasive develops in cells that outline the breast ducts and is the most common type of breast cancer; it can spread outside of the breast. It is also possible for cancer to spread outside of the breasts and through the bloodstream.

What are the main symptoms?

There are quite a few symptoms for breast cancer; however, if you are experiencing any of these its doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer but always go and check with a doctor. 90% of breast lumps aren’t actually cancerous, but it is still good to go and check them out.

• New lumps
• Breasts change in size
• Bloodstained discharge from nipples
• Lumps or swelling under armpits
• Dimpling of the skin around breasts
• Change in the appearance of nipples

It is always good to go and check anything that you think looks irregular, or that you’re worried about!

What are some of the causes?

Breast cancer is not caused by anything in particular; some factors can contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer.

• Age
• Family medical history
• Previous diagnosis/lump
• Obese
• Overweight after menopause
• Alcohol

How can you reduce the risk?

Being drink aware will help reduce the risk, swapping the usual drink for a soft drink instead can help! Keeping yourself at a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of breast cancer; this goes with staying active, which is also key to helping reduce your risk! Another risk is smoking; choosing to quit smoking now can work in your favour at staying healthy.

We work alongside Cheshire Change Hub; they offer services for you to quit smoking and also a chance to lose weight healthily! Find out about how they can help you lose weight and stop smoking.

Wear it Pink

Wear it Pink is a charity working to beat breast cancer; their ambition is that by 2050, everyone with breast cancer will survive!

All their research goes towards risk and prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and treatment and secondary breast cancer. Wear it Pink started a breast cancer study towards male breast cancer too; this started to help pinpoint precise genetic, environmental and lifestyle causes of breast cancer in men. Men with a history of breast cancer in their family are at higher risk of having it.

To find out more about Wear it Pink, or to donate towards their cause, click here.

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