It doesn't need to be done every day - but knowing how our breasts normally look and feel (including around the time of a period) will help you to spot any changes early.
Cancer Research UK offers a very useful guide as to how to check your breasts – go to breast awareness five point codes.
Likewise, Breast Cancer Care also have a very handy and practical guide to show you what to look out for: Signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
It’s good to get into the habit of looking at your breasts in the mirror so that you’re quite familiar with their appearance because you’re then more likely to notice if something alters. As the above guides advise, if you notice any changes like dimpling, puckering, swelling or bulging of the skin, redness or a rash, or a nipple that has become inverted or any discharge, you should have your doctor check it out.
Although for many women the first symptom of breast cancer is a lump in their breast, it's important to remember that 90% of lumps are benigno – but it’s always best to see your doctor straight away if you notice anything unusual about your breasts.
Regular breast screening is offered to women aged 50 or over in the UK. While some breast cancers are the result of family history, the majority are not. Again, if you’re worried about your family history of breast cancer, you should see your GP.
As with most other cancers, making lifestyle changes can also reduce your chances of getting breast cancer. Watching your alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and eating less fat are important first steps, as is keeping stress to a minimum by learning how to relax.
For more information, visit the NHS breast screening website - http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/index.html
It’s good news that cancer survival rates are now higher than ever, but coping with the diagnosis is challenging enough without having to worry about finances. The UNISON Female Cancer Cover is designed to be a financial safety net to make things easier while you’re having treatment - leaving you free to concentrate on getting better.
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* http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer#heading-Zero
o http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/about/breast-cancer-symptoms
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