About Breast Cancer:
Each year, about 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. It is more common in women over 50, but it can also affect younger women.
Breast cancer is when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour).
Breast cancer most commonly starts in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. It is the most common cancer in the UK. It mainly affects women, but men can get it too.
For more information please visit: www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Symptoms:
- 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 darker, 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
Breast Cancer Screening:
The national breast screening programme calls women for mammography between the ages of 50 and 71 every three years.
Screening begins at age 50 but you may be approaching 53 before being invited.
If you turn 53 without invitation, or it has been more than 3 years since your last mammogram, you should the local breast screening service.
Medway Breast Screening Service: Call: 01634 825036
Email: met-tr.medwaybreastscreening@nhs.net
