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BREAST CANCER FACTS

know the signs.

BREAST CANCER FACTS

Survival Rates
The number of people being diagnosed with Breast Cancer is increasing, but survival rates are improving!

One Person Every 10 Minutes
Every year nearly 55,000 people are diagnosed in the UK. That’s the equivalent of 150 people every day or one person every 10 minutes.

Breast Cancer Deaths
Nearly 12,000 people die from breast cancer in the UK every year.

2nd Biggest Killer
Breast Cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer in women in the UK, after lung cancer.

Risk Factors
The biggest risk factor, after gender, is increasing age – 80% of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50.

High Form Of Cancer
Of adults aged between 25-49, breast cancer accounts for 45% of all female cancers.

More Than One Type
Breast Cancer is not one single disease; there are several types of Breast Cancer.

Not Always Family Related
Less than 10% of all breast cancers run in families, so having someone in your family with breast cancer doesn’t necessarily mean your own risk is increased.

Worried About Lumps
Not all breast cancers show as a lump, and not all breast lumps are Breast Cancer.

BREAST CANCER CHECKING

By knowing how to check your breasts and performing monthly breast self-exams, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breasts as soon as they occur. When checking your breasts for signs of breast cancer, look out for:

  • A change in size or shape of the breasts
  • A lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
  • Redness of a rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
  • A change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling
  • Discharge from the nipple without squeezing
  • Your nipple becoming inverted (pulled in) or changing its position or shape
  • Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
  • Constant pain in your breast or your armpit

Remember! Not all breast cancers show as a lump, and not all breast lumps are signs of breast cancer.

What should I do if I find a change?
Most changes in your breast will likely to be normal, but if you notice a changes or you must go and see your GP as soon as you can.

Many people think that if they have breast cancer they will have other symptoms alongside a breast change (such as feeling tired, having less energy or losing weight) but this is not the case. If you do notice a change, it’s important to visit your GP.

BREAST CANCER IN MEN

Breast cancer is often thought of as a condition that only affects women, but around 400 men are diagnosed each year.

Breast cancer in men is much less common than breast cancer in women, affecting just one in every 100,000 men in the UK.

The cancer develops in the small amount of breast tissue men have behind their nipples. The most common symptom is a hard, painless lump in one of the breasts.

However, it is important to note that the vast majority of breast lumps are due to a condition called gynaecomastia.

This is a common, non-cancerous condition where male breast tissue becomes enlarged.

When to seek medical advice

You should always visit your GP if you notice a lump in your breast or if you have problems affecting your nipples, such as retraction, ulceration or discharge.

These problems are unlikely to be of the result of breast cancer, but they should be investigated further.

BREAST CANCER FACTS | Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer