Breast cancer is the most common cancer to affect women with around 38,000 cases a year diagnosed in England, not forgetting that men can also are affected with around 260 diagnosed each year (source).
Further help on symptoms and what to do if you find any = but most importantly please see a Doctor.
Women should be familiar with their breasts – they change throughout the menstrual cycle, and check them regularly.
“The milk-producing tissue in the breast becomes active in the days before a period starts. In some women, the breasts at this time feel tender and lumpy, especially near the armpits.
After a hysterectomy (removal of the womb), the breasts usually show the same monthly changes until the time when your periods would have stopped naturally.
After the menopause, activity in the milk-producing tissue stops. Normal breasts can feel soft, less firm and not lumpy”. Taken from the NHS website.
Wear bras that are fitted properly – go and get fitted properly! A guide to how to measure for a bra. and make sure you attend breast screenings when you are offered them.
Most lumps turn out to be nothing. Even if they are Cancer they can often just remove the lump. In rarer cases a mastectomy is performed – which is the complete removal of the breast. Followed by chemotherapy (tablets) and radiotherapy (radiation).
There are many success stories in the media of people who have had Breast Cancer diagnosed and treated
Of course it’s not all success stories though but that is why it is SO important to go as soon as you spot anything unusual.
So urge you PLEASE – even if it turns out to be nothing – it wont be a waste of time.