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Breast Cancer: Awareness Matters For Everyone

  • Writer: Healthwatch Southend
    Healthwatch Southend
  • Oct 1
  • 2 min read
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October is breast cancer awareness month, and it is time to get talking about a disease which is mostly prevalent in women but also affects men.


Stigma surrounding patients is common but varied and includes fear of discrimination and being stereotyped. Lack of awareness means that late diagnosis is common, additionally up to 30% of cases could be prevented with earlier lifestyle changes.


What is Breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to divide and grow abnormally. 

It’s the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. 1 in 7 women may get breast cancer in their lifetime.  About 390 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, compared to over 56,000 cases in women. 


How serious breast cancer is depends on how big the cancer is and if the cancer has spread. 

Early detection and better treatments have led to improved recovery and survival from breast cancer. 


How is breast cancer detected?

Checking breast tissue regularly and acting on changes in feel or appearance of the breast, underarm and nipples will increase the rate of early detection for patients. Lumps are not always cancerous, but it is important to talk to your GP without delay.


Other ways breast cancer are detected includes:

  • an examination of your breasts

  • a breast X-ray (mammogram)

  • an ultrasound of your breasts

  • taking a small sample of cells (biopsy)


Women aged over 50 will be invited for routine screening by the NHS every three years.



Louise’s Story: In December 2022, Louise noticed something unusual - a slight indentation on her nipple. At first, she brushed it off, blaming her constant fatigue on her busy family and work life. But something didn’t sit right. After confiding in a friend and receiving some encouragement, she decided to get it checked. 

Through a video consultation with a Lady McAdden nurse, Louise was fast-tracked to see her GP, with an appointment arranged for the same day. From there, she underwent a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy within the same day. By the end of that day, she had a diagnosis: Stage 3 breast cancer. 

 


Reubens story: There's still such a stigma around male breast cancer. Some people laughed in my face when I told them I had breast cancer, they didn’t believe me.

I had to explain that it wasn’t a joke and that I've had chemotherapy and a mastectomy. They said they didn't know that men could get breast cancer. 

 

If you need advice or support, here are two local organisations which can help:


Lady McAdden Breast Cancer Trust provides support to women and men before, during and after breast cancer. If you would like to speak to one of their nurses, call 01702 343288 Find out more or book an appointment on their website:

 


Bosom Pals is a charity dedicated to supporting individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Read about the support group on their website:



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