Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer is the development of an abnormality in the way cells within the breast grow. There are many different types of breast cancer that can be diagnosed at different stages and growth rates. This means various treatments are available depending on what works best for the individual. The risk of developing breast cancer is particularly high for females and increases with age. However, early detection through increased understanding and awareness of breast cancer means that survival rates following a breast cancer diagnosis are improving.

The best way to catch breast cancer early is to keep yourself informed and know how to check for symptoms properly.

  Breast Cancer Facts

1 in 8 women

will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

This also means 7 out of 8 women won't develop the disease.

Both men and women

may develop breast cancer.

While more common in females, around 400 men are diagnosed in the UK.

Around 81% of breast cancer

cases occur in women over the age of 50.

Unfortunately, the older the person, the higher the risk.

Most cases of breast cancer

aren't hereditary.

Only around 5% of breast cancers are inherited from family members.

Breast size

doesn't matter.

Breast cancer can affect all women of any size.

Breast cancer is the

common cancer in the UK.

It is estimated around 550,000 people in the UK are alive and living with breast cancer.

Finding a lump

doesn't always mean that you have breast cancer.

There are several benign conditions that may cause lumps such that may be as simple as changing hormones before your period.

 Breast Cancer Symptoms

How to check for breast cancer

The best way to catch breast cancer early is by regularly checking your breasts for any changes or abnormalities that might be signs of breast cancer.

Perform checks regularly and cover all parts of your breast, your armpits and up to your collarbone.

Be aware of any changes that are different for you.

Step 2

1.

Look at your chest in the mirror to check for any changes. Start with your arms by your side and then raise them.

Step 2

2.

Feel around each breast or side of your chest, up to your collarbone and under each armpit. Use a mix of light and firmer pressure and move your hands in a circular motion.

Step 3

3.

Feel around and over each nipple.

Work this into your routine, checking in the shower or when getting dressed in the morning. Make sure you regularly check your breasts by looking and feeling for changes compared to what you know is normal.

If you do find something that you don't feel is normal, please do not hesitate to visit your GP. If you are uncomfortable seeing a male doctor, your surgeon will be happy to find you a female doctor to speak to.

What to look for when checking your breasts

Change in size or shape of one or both of the breasts

Redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple

Discharge or blood that comes from the nipple

Swelling in the armpit or collarbone

Lump or thickening of breast tissue

Change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling - like an orange skin

Nipple becoming sunken or changing its position or shape

Constant pain in breast or armpit

 

 

 Normal Breast Changes

It is important to remember that not all changes to your breasts are signs of breast cancer. Other breast changes can occur before a period, during pregnancy, when breastfeeding and during menopause.

Typical changes during these times may include swelling, tingling, soreness, change in size, tenderness, and harmless lumps (cysts) within the breast tissue.

 

 



Mastectomies and Recovery

What is a mastectomy? 

A mastectomy is an operation to remove the breast. It is used to treat breast cancer in both men and women if the cancer is in a large area of the breast, has spread throughout the breast or if the breast is full of pre-cancerous cells. While a very safe procedure, it can take from four to six weeks to fully recover.

 

 

Mastectomy Bras

Camille offers a range of mastectomy bras to offer comfort and support. Our mastectomy collection is available in a variety of colours that all offer non-wired and pocketed options to suit women with left, right or bilateral mastectomy.