A senior cancer doctor is encouraging local women to become “breast aware” as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is taking place throughout October.

A senior cancer doctor is encouraging local women to become “breast aware” as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is taking place throughout October.

Dr Lydia Jones (pictured) is a consultant haematologist and is the clinical lead for cancer services at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust.

"A cancer diagnosis can be absolutely devastating, so it’s vital that we all do what we can to protect ourselves,” she said. 

“That includes looking out for any tell-tale signs and helping to catch any possible cancer as soon as possible. 

“Most cases of breast cancer are found by women who have noticed unusual changes in their breasts and have visited their GP for advice. 

“Spotting these changes and taking action promptly can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.”

According to the NHS, women should look out for a number symptoms when performing self-examinations.

They include changes in the size or shape of breasts, changes in skin texture – such as puckering or dimpling – and a lump or thickening of breast tissue.

They also include redness or a rash on the skin or around the nipple, discharge from one or both nipples, constant pain in the breast or armpit and swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone.

“Approximately 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year and nearly 12,000 people die from the illness,” said Dr Jones. 

“That’s a huge number, and is exactly why I’m asking all local women to make sure they are breast aware. 

“If you know what your breasts normally look and feel like, you’ll be able to stay on the lookout for any changes and, if you notice anything different, then go it checked out by your GP.

“Look out for lumps – not only in your breasts but up to your armpits – in nine out of 10 cases they turn out not to be cancerous but it is important to get them checked just in case. 

“And if you are invited for breast screening it is important that you attend."

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual event, organised by major breast cancer charities including Breast Cancer Care, Breakthrough Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Campaign.

The initiative aims to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. 

For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit www.breastcancercare.org.uk, www.breastcancercampaign.org or www.breakthrough.org.uk.

For information and advice on the symptoms and treatment of breast cancer, visit www.nhs.uk/breastcancer.

Article from elmbridgetoday