October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and this year’s campaign is calling on people to prevent breast cancer before it starts.
The campaign from Breast Cancer UK is raising awareness of the importance of improving your diet and avoiding alcohol to help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
In the UK it is estimated that 8% (around 4,400 out of 56,000) of female breast cancer cases are linked to alcohol consumption. Excess weight increases the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women by up to 30%.
A diet high in fruit and vegetables, stopping smoking and being more active can also reduce your breast cancer risk.
If you’d like support to help you improve your diet, lose weight, be more active or reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, contact the Healthy Knowsley hub and one of the friendly advisers will be in touch to guide you on your way.
You can also download the NHS Drink Free Days app to help you reduce your alcohol drinking. Drink less alcohol – Better Health – NHS
Know the signs and symptoms of breast cancer
It is important to check your breasts regularly – that way you will get to know what is normal for you.
Possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump in the breast – this is the most common symptom, but most breast lumps are not cancer. They are usually lumps either filled with fluid (a cyst) or made up of fibrous and glandular tissue (fibroadenoma).
- A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
- A change in the colour of the breast – it may look red or inflamed
- A nipple change – it has become pulled in (inverted)
- A rash or crusting around the nipple
- Changes in size or shape of the breast
- A lump or swelling in either armpit
- Discharge from either nipple
- Breast pain on its own, is not usually a sign of breast cancer, but look out for pain in your breast or armpit that is there almost all the time.
If you find changes in your breast that are not normal for you, it is best to see your GP as soon as possible. The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed the more successful treatment is likely to be.
It is also important to attend for any cancer screening – cervical, breast or bowel – when invited. Find out more about the breast cancer screening programme.
You can find out how to check your breasts and more information at www.breastcancernow.org