Statistics show that around 1 in 7 women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, making it the most common cancer in the UK. It leads to around 11,500 deaths each year – but the NHS breast screening programme is helping to reduce breast cancer mortality by around 20% in women who are regularly screened.
Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. Those over 71 can request screening. If you have not been invited for breast screening by the time you are 53 but think you should have been, please contact the Dudley, Wolverhampton and South West Staffordshire Breast Screening Service - for more details, visit NHS Breast Screening Programme.
As well as screening, the NHS recommends that people check their breasts once a month. This will help with what is normal for your body therefore it will be easier to detect any changes that may need further examination from a health professional.
Key symptoms that you should be looking or feeling for include a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit, any changes to the skin of your breast, a change in size or shape, nipple discharge if you're not pregnant or breastfeeding, a change in the shape or look of how your nipple usually looks, including a rash on it, or sores or ulcers on your chest.
Some of these symptoms are very common and can be caused by other conditions, but if you do notice anything unusual, make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible.
For help, visit Check your breasts. You can also sign up to a monthly text reminder to check with Breast Cancer UK.
John Denley, Wolverhampton’s Director of Public Health, said: “Cancer screening and routinely checking your breasts for any changes is essential for early detection, which is critical in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates.
“Early stage cancers are often more treatable and have a better prognosis than those detected at a later stage, and almost all women diagnosed with breast cancer at the earliest possible stage in England survive their disease for at least 5 years after diagnosis.
“Screening can also identify precancerous conditions that can be treated before they develop into cancer, further reducing the risk of cancer development. By catching cancer early, screening programmes can reduce the overall burden of cancer, decrease healthcare costs, and improve the quality of life for patients."
For more information about breast cancer in women please visit Breast cancer in women.
Though rare, men can also get breast cancer - for more information, please visit Breast cancer in men.
For more information, resources and support, visit Cancer Research UK.
