Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer awareness is vital in helping to save lives we believe that schools with pupils aged 11+ years should help in the fight against breast cancer. Pupils who can spot the early signs and are comfortable checking for these are more likely to feel confident in going to a GP early and the earlier the cancer is detected the more successful the treatment will be. 

Here are some symptoms of breast cancer to look out for:

  • A lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in the breast, upper chest or armpit

  • A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling or a rash

  • 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) or pointing differently

  • Rash, crusting or itchy around the nipple

  • Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple

  • Changes in size, outline or shape of the breast

  • Pain or discomfort in one breast that does not go away on its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer.

Men can also get breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the chest area.

See your GP if you notice any changes

How to check your breasts

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts but it is important to know how your breasts usually look and feel that way you can spot any changes quickly and get seen by a GP as soon as possible.

·       Know what's normal for you

·       Look at your breasts and feel them can you feel or see anything new or different? Also check your armpit, and up to your collarbone. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms by your side and with them raised.

·       know what changes to look for

·       Report any changes to a GP without delay

If pupils have this information from a young age, we hope they would feel confident in checking themselves regularly and be able to spot the early signs to get a quick diagnosis, so therefore be able to start treatment without delay as when breast cancer is found early it needs less treatment and is more likely to be cured.