Breast Cancer Awareness

News - 25 October 2022

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year Breast Cancer UK are talking about the causes of breast cancer and how we can act to prevent it.
Sadly not all breast cancer cases are preventable. But studies show that at least 30% of breast cancer cases are preventable. By making changes to your lifestyle you can reduce your risk of getting breast cancer.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer? NHS logo. A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts discharge from either 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, could be red, crusty or eczema like.. 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. See a GP if you notice any change

Breast Cancer UK are highlighting ways you can get active to reduce your risk. By increasing the amount of physical activity you do, you can significantly reduce your risk of breast cancer.

UK Breast Cancer statistics

  • There are around 56,000 new cases of breast cancer every year: that’s over 150 cases every day
  • In women, on average there were 55,545 new cases each year
  • 18% of breast cancers were in women under 50 and 82% in those 50 or older
  • Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, representing 15% of all new cancer cases
  • 24% of breast cancers occurred in women over 75
  • In men, there were 375 new breast cancer cases
  • Each year, there are around 8300 in situ breast carcinoma cases, a non-invasive form of breast cancer which if untreated may lead to breast cancer
Incidence of breast cancer in the UK [average per annum, based on 2016-2018 data]

Prevention

Everyone has some risk of getting breast cancer, but there are easy everyday ways to help reduce your risk and be healthier all round.

Use the Breast Cancer UK prevention quiz to get you started: Quiz

Symptoms of breast cancer

Prevention is very important but equally so is awareness. Breast cancer can have several 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 a doctor.

You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:

  • a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
  • discharge from either 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.

Find out more about the symptoms of breast cancer.

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