October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer, encouraging early detection and supporting research into prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 1 in 8 women developing breast cancer during their lifetime. Although breast cancer predominantly affects women, men can also develop breast cancer, although this is much rarer.
Advances in research, screening and treatment mean that more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before. However, early diagnosis remains incredibly important.
At Purity Bridge in Tunbridge Wells, our team believes that understanding your own body and being aware of changes to your breasts is an important part of looking after your health.
Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Month important?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month provides an opportunity to talk openly about breast health and encourage people to recognise potential warning signs.
The earlier breast cancer is detected, the greater the opportunity for effective treatment. This is why we encourage women and men to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and to seek medical advice if they notice something unusual.
There is no single “normal” appearance or feel for breasts. Breasts can naturally change throughout life because of factors such as puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.
Getting to know what is normal for you makes it easier to recognise a change.
Breast cancer symptoms to look out for
There are several changes that should be checked by a healthcare professional. These can include:
- A new lump or area of thickening in the breast, upper chest or armpit
- A change in the size, shape or feel of a breast
- Changes to the skin, including puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness
- Fluid leaking from the nipple when you are not pregnant or breastfeeding
- A change in the position or appearance of the nipple
- Unexplained pain in the breast or armpit that is persistent or unusual for you
Having one of these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Many breast changes have other causes. However, it is important not to ignore a change and to arrange an appropriate medical assessment.
How to check your breasts
There is no complicated technique or special training required to check your breasts.
The important thing is to become familiar with your own body. Regularly looking at and feeling your breasts can help you recognise changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.
Breast Cancer Now promotes the simple TLC approach: Touch, Look, Check.
Touch
Feel your breasts and the area around them. Is there anything new or unusual, such as a lump or area of thickening?
Look
Look at your breasts in the mirror. Has there been any change in their size, shape, skin or nipple that is unusual for you?
Check
If you notice something that is new or different, arrange an appointment with your GP or appropriate healthcare professional for further assessment.
Remember to check the area around your armpits too, as changes can sometimes be noticed in the lymph nodes in this area.
Make breast awareness part of your routine
Checking your breasts regularly can help you understand what is normal for you.
Some people find it easiest to check their breasts while having a bath or shower. There is no specific time that is right for everyone, but making breast awareness part of your regular routine can make it easier to identify changes.
For women who are pre-menopausal, breast tissue can naturally feel different at different stages of the menstrual cycle. Becoming familiar with these normal changes can help you distinguish them from something new.
If you find a new lump or notice a significant change, do not wait for it to disappear. Arrange an appointment with your GP or healthcare professional.
Don’t forget your breast screening appointments
Regular breast awareness is important, but it does not replace the UK’s breast screening programme.
If you are invited for a mammogram, it is important to attend your appointment. Mammography can identify changes in breast tissue that may not be noticeable through self-examination.
If you have concerns about your breasts, you should seek medical advice rather than relying solely on routine screening.
What can increase the risk of breast cancer?
There is no single cause of breast cancer. A person’s risk can be influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, age, family history, hormones and lifestyle.
Some risk factors cannot be changed. These include getting older, having a family history of breast cancer, certain inherited genetic changes and other biological factors.
However, there are also lifestyle factors that can influence breast cancer risk.
Maintaining a healthy weight
Being overweight or obese, particularly after menopause, is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity can form part of a healthy lifestyle.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, with risk increasing as alcohol intake increases.
Following UK guidance on alcohol consumption can help reduce health risks associated with drinking.
Staying physically active
Regular physical activity is beneficial for overall health and can help reduce the risk of several diseases, including some cancers.
The NHS recommends that adults aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
Exercise does not necessarily mean going to the gym. Walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and other activities that raise your heart rate can all contribute to an active lifestyle.
Breast cancer and reconstruction
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring many difficult decisions, and treatment is highly individual.
For some women, breast reconstruction may form an important part of their treatment and recovery. Reconstruction can be performed using implants, tissue from another part of the body, or a combination of techniques, depending on the individual’s circumstances and the recommended surgical approach.
At Purity Bridge, we are proud to work with highly experienced specialists in breast and reconstructive surgery.
Our consultants Victoria Teoh, Ana Borges and Francesca Ruccia bring extensive expertise in breast surgery and reconstruction, including complex reconstructive procedures and microsurgical techniques.
Understanding the options available can help patients make informed decisions about their care. Every patient is different, and discussions about reconstruction should always be tailored to the individual’s medical circumstances, treatment and personal wishes.
Join Purity Bridge for our Breast Cancer Awareness Event
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Purity Bridge is bringing together Victoria Teoh, Ana Borges and Francesca Ruccia for a special Breast Cancer Awareness evening in Tunbridge Wells.
The event provides an opportunity to hear from experienced breast and reconstructive surgeons, learn more about breast health and breast cancer treatment, and gain a better understanding of modern breast reconstruction.
The evening will also provide an opportunity to hear about patient experiences and developments in breast cancer care.
Find out more about the event and register your interest on our Purity Bridge Events page.
Take time to look after your breast health
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a useful reminder that looking after your health does not have to be complicated.
Get to know your breasts. Attend screening when invited. Be aware of changes. And if something feels or looks different, seek professional medical advice.
Most breast changes are not cancer, but any new or unusual change deserves to be checked.
At Purity Bridge, we believe that education and open conversations about breast health can help people feel more informed and confident when making decisions about their care.
