Breast Cancer Information

About breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the UK, with around 56,000 women diagnosed each year. Most cases occur in women over the age of 50, although younger women can also be affected. Breast cancer in men is rare, but it does occur, with around 400 cases diagnosed annually.

For women in the UK, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is about 1 in 7. The positive news is that outcomes are significantly better when breast cancer is detected early. Almost three in five cases in England are now diagnosed at stage 1 or 2, when treatment is often more effective. Staying aware of any changes and attending routine screening when invited can make a meaningful difference to early detection and long-term health.

Family history and genetic risk

Having a relative with breast cancer is common and most people with an affected family member do not develop the disease. Only around 5 to 10 per cent of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene changes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

Your risk is higher if

• Your mother sister or daughter had breast cancer before the age of 50

• Several close relatives on the same side of the family have had breast cancer

• A relative has had cancer in both breasts

• A male relative has had breast cancer

• You have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

Symptoms

Breast cancer can have several symptoms. The most common is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. More than 90 per cent of breast lumps are not cancer but it is important to have any changes checked.

Other symptoms include

• Changes in breast size shape or texture

• Redness or swelling

• Skin puckering or dimpling

• Changes to the nipple including inversion

• Nipple discharge including blood

• Eczema like changes around the nipple

Self examination

Become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel so you can notice changes quickly.

Look in the mirror

With your arms on your hips look for

• Redness swelling or visible lumps

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin

• Changes to the nipple

• Skin changes or discharge

Raise your arms and look again for any changes.

Feel for lumps

• Use the pads of your fingers and move in a circular motion

• Check the whole breast area from the collarbone to the abdomen and from the armpit to the cleavage

• Repeat while lying down using the opposite hand for each breast

Important

If you notice any new lump, change, pain or discharge, it's important to speak with your GP as soon as possible. Most changes won't be serious but getting them checked early gives you the best chance of prompt treatment and peace of mind.