Breast Cancer Awareness Month 1

One in eight women are affected by breast cancer.

Every 10 minutes someone is diagnosed with breast cancer....! In the time it took to write this blog post, 12 people were diagnosed. In the time that it took for you to read this, another person was diagnosed. Let's do what we can to make the recovery of those people speedier, quicker and less painful.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month therefore we are doing what we can to raise awareness of the causes, risks and possible reduction of breast cancer occurrence.

The following information is taken from Cancer Research UK's breast cancer leaflet.

The Facts
More women are surviving breast cancer than ever before as a result of earlier detection and better treatments.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Around 140 women are diagnoses with the disease every day.

What is breast cancer?
The breast is made up of millions of cells. Breast cancer develops when a single cell or group of cells begins to multiply out of control and forms a tumour.

The breast consists of fatty tissue and lobules that are connected to the nipple by ducts. Breast cancer usually starts in cells that line a duct of lobule. Sometimes cells can break away and travel to other parts of the body, starting new tumours.

What affects your risk?
1. Age
2. Hormones and reproduction
3. Family history

What reduces your risk?
1. Healthy weight
2. Limiting alcohol
3. Physical activity
4. Not smoking

Be 'breast aware':
1. Know what is normal for you
2. Look at and feel your breasts
3. Know what changes to look for
4. Report any changes without delay

What changes to look for:
1. Changes in the size, shape or feel of your breasts
2. A new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit
3. Any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin
4. Changes in the position of the nipple, a rash or nipple discharge
5. Pain or discomfort that is new to you and felt only on one side

Breast cancer in men
Although it is rare, men still suffer from breast cancer.

Show your support for breast cancer this October so we can keep fighting on.