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Breast screening looks for signs of breast cancer before symptoms. Finding breast cancer early gives the best opportunity for successful treatment and survival.
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, although younger women can also get breast cancer. It is also possible for men to develop breast cancer.
Certain factors are known to increase your risk of developing breast cancer. These include age, family history, previous diagnosis of breast cancer, being tall, overweight or obese and drinking alcohol.
There are many symptoms of breast cancer. The most common are as follows:
A mammogram will be performed in order to see changes in the breast tissue. This will allow an x-ray of your breast to be taken. However, you should be aware that not all breast cancers can be detected in this way.
Everyone affected by breast cancer can turn to Breast Cancer Now for support. Whether you want to speak to their nurses, join a course, or meet other people who understand what you’re going through, our free services are always here for you.
Pembrokeshire Cancer Support offers the opportunity to meet and enjoy one-to-one support in a confidential environment. Call 01646 683078 for further information.
Dealing with cancer can be frightening and stressful. Tenovus can help. Tenovus brings treatment, expert advice and support to where it matters most; the heart of the community.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, or know someone who has, we provide practical information on everything from symptoms and screening, to coping after treatment.
There’s no right or wrong way to check your breasts. But it’s important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to a GP.
Get used to how your breasts feel at different times of the month. This can change during your menstrual cycle. For example, some women have tender and lumpy breasts, especially near the armpit, around the time of their period.
After the menopause, normal breasts feel softer, less firm and not as lumpy.
Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.
Breast changes can happen for many reasons, and most of them are not serious. Lots of women have breast lumps, and most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, if you find changes in your breast that are not normal for you, it’s best to see a GP as soon as possible.