Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual campaign, involving thousands of organisations, to highlight the importance of breast awareness and knowing what feels normal for you, that way if any changes occur you will recognise them much sooner.

About one in eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, which accounts for 30 percent of all cancer in NI women. Men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer and usually happens in men over 60, but can very occasionally affect younger men.

Signs and symptoms for women

The first symptom of breast cancer is usually a lump or an area of thickened tissue in the breast. Most lumps (90%) aren’t cancerous but it’s always best to have them checked.

• a lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast
• 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
• pain in either of your breasts or armpits not related to your period

Signs and symptoms for men

• a lump in the breast – this is usually hard, painless and doesn't move around within the breast
• the nipple turning inwards (inverted nipple)
• fluid oozing from the nipple which may be streaked with blood
• a sore or rash around the nipple that doesn't go away
• the nipple or surrounding skin becoming hard, red, or swollen
• small bumps in the armpit (swollen glands)

More information:

• For more information NHS click here for women and click here for men.
• Download the Cancer Focus – Focus on Being Breast Aware click here
• Action Cancer breast awareness and screening Z-card click here
• Signs and symptoms video - click here

If you are concerned or have a query, contact:

• Action Cancer Services appointments for women aged 40-49 years can be booked on 02890 903344 and more information available by visiting click here
• Cancer Focus NI helpline on 0800 783 3339 or email care@cancerfocusni.org. For details about support services visit www.cancerfocusni.org