October is breast cancer awareness month, which aims to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to promote early detection through screening and self-examination. The month also offers support to patients living with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer. At PRIME Health, we believe that every patient deserves access to timely, compassionate, and effective screening services.

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 15% of all new cancer cases. However, when it is picked up early, it is highly treatable
• 1 in 7 women in the UK develop breast cancer during their lifetime
• There are approximately 50,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed every year in the UK

Symptoms of breast cancer

• A breast lump is the most common symptom – usually painless
• Nipple symptoms – change in shape, discharge, bleeding, retraction, rash/redness
• Skin changes – tethering or “peau d’orange” (a dimpled, orange peel-like texture on the skin), unexplained ulcer/sore on breast
• Lump in your armpit

Risk factors for breast cancer

While not all risk factors can be changed, knowing about them can empower you to make informed choices and take proactive steps towards early detection of breast cancer.

Non-modifiable risk factors

• Gender
• Increasing age
• Family history of breast cancer
• Genetics/inherited mutations e.g.BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes

Modifiable risk factors

• Being overweight 
• Alcohol 
• Smoking

Hormonal factors

• Contraceptive pill and HRT – a very small increased risk of breast cancer, but the risk goes down with time after you stop taking it
• Early onset of periods/late menopause – This increased risk is likely due to longer exposure to the hormone oestrogen

What you can do?

In addition to reducing your modifiable risk factors by maintaining a healthy weight, an active lifestyle and by limiting alcohol and smoking, it is important to:

Attend regular screenings and mammograms

• Screening aims to detect breast cancer early, which increases the chance of successful treatment
• More than 18,000 cancers are diagnosed each year as a result of screening, most at an early stage
• It is estimated that 1 life is saved for every 200 women screened, equating to 1,300 saved lives per year
• In the UK, screening is carried out in women between the ages of 50 and 70 and happens every 3 years. It involves having a X-ray of your breast called a mammogram
• After the age of 70, you can still request to have a screening mammogram every 3 years, but you won’t automatically be invited to screening. You can organise this through your GP here at PRIME Health

Be “breast aware”

• Even if you are having regular mammograms, it is important to make sure that you know how your breasts normally look and feel. Cancers can develop between mammograms. 

To check your breasts:

1. Look at your breasts in the mirror and look for any skin changes. Start with your arms by your sides, and then raise them 
2. Feel around each breast in a circular motion all the way up to your collarbone and under each armpit, checking for any lumps or thickening of breast tissue
3. Feel around and over each nipple
4. If you notice any changes in your breast, don’t wait until your next mammogram. Please make an appointment with your PRIME Health GP straight away
5. Your GP will examine your breasts and your lymph nodes in your armpits and neck. 
6. Depending on your symptoms, your GP might refer you for imaging of your breasts. At PRIME Health we have on site radiologists who can perform breast ultrasound scans and drain cysts if applicable. We can also organise quick and efficient referrals to our highly experienced breast consultant colleagues at a local breast clinic.

Key message – Early detection saves lives. When caught early, breast cancer is often easier to treat and has a much higher survival rate. If you’re concerned about your breast health or have noticed any changes, don’t wait — book an appointment with one of our PRIME Health GPs today. 

References

• Hot topics women’s health for Primary Care 2024/2025
• What is breast cancer? | Cancer Research UK 
• NICE CKS breast cancer
• How to check your breasts or chest – NHS