October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is a reminder to everyone – men and women – to be aware of the signs
Every October, a light is shone on the importance of prevention when it comes to breast cancer.
We are reminded that it is each of us who are instrumental in ensuring that, if we do ever get the disease, we will find it early enough to have it treated successfully.
To do that, we need to be vigilant when it comes to self-examination.
This month, the Irish Cancer Society is urging women from the age of 18 to get into the habit of regularly checking themselves for possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Carol Spillane, Cancer Nurse with the Irish Cancer Society, said: “Self-examination is so important for women of all ages, even those who are eligible for screening, as this only takes place every two years. Pick a day and try to do it as consistently as you can on a monthly basis.”
She adds that the most important thing is to know what is normal for you. If anything feels different of you notice any signs of symptoms or what you think might be breast cancer, it’s vital to go to your GP as soon as possible.
“Women can sometimes feel embarrassed or uncomfortable attending their GP with breast issues, but this examination could save your life. Your GP will perform a routine examination of your breast and if appropriate, refer you for further assessment.”
The eight key signs and symptoms of breast cancer are listed below:
- A lump, any size, or thickening in your breast or armpit
- A change in size or shape – it may be that one breast has become larger
- A change in the skin of your breast – like puckering or dimpling
- A breast abscess (infected boil) – this may appear as a red, tender area on your breast
- A change in your nipple, like pulled-in, sunken, or flattened nipple
- An unusual discharge (liquid) from one or both of your nipples – the discharge may be blood-stained or watery
- A change on or around the nipple, such as a rash, or flaky or crusted skin
- Swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone
While 9 in 10 breast changes will turn out not to be breast cancer, it is important to rule it out. If you find something that concerns you, contact the Irish Cancer Society Support Line on freephone 1800 200 700 or email supportline@irishcancer.ie.
