The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit.
• A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling.
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed.
• A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
• Rash or crusting around the nipple.
• Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
• Changes in size or shape of the breast

On its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer. But look out for pain in your breast or armpit that’s there all or almost all the time.

Although rare, men can get breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the chest area.

Reporting symptoms

It’s important to talk to your GP or breast care nurse if you have any symptoms that are:

1. New
2. Don’t have an obvious cause.
3. Don’t go away.

Most breast changes, including breast lumps, are not cancer, but the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be.  Get any new or unusual changes checked by a GP.

There’s no special way to check your breasts and you do not need any training.

Checking your breasts is as easy as TLC:

What will happen when I see my GP?

Your appointment may be over the phone. If your appointment is in person, your GP will examine your breasts.

After speaking to you on the phone, or examining your breasts, your GP may:

• Decide there’s no need for further investigation.
• Ask to see you again after a short time.
• Refer you to a breast clinic.

Being referred to a breast clinic does not mean you have breast cancer, just that further assessment is needed to find out what's going on.

Things you can try that may help you cope.

• Think about how you coped with previous trauma or stress – you could try using these methods again now.
• Use your breast care nurse – they can help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options and support you during your treatment and beyond.
• Be kind to yourself – it may help to take time to rest, eat healthily, keep active and, when you can, do something you enjoy.
• Talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling.

Becca - the breast cancer support app

Recently, there has been an app developed named Becca, which is a breast cancer support app. It gives you all the information you need to know on breast cancer, with constant support about cancer and how to adapt to it.

Becca is your pocket companion to primary breast cancer.

Click here for more information on BECCA!

Overall, Breast Cancer Awareness month/wear it pink day is a way to shine light on an important cause. This charity is very important to many and is close to many who work at Bluebird.

We are here for you!

Contact us to speak to our team if you or a family member are struggling with breast cancer!