Know your breasts, and attend for screening when invited – it could save your life

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and encouraging everyone to be breast aware throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month which runs throughout October. 

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in Northern Ireland. It can occur at any age, but the risk of developing it increases with age.

Dr Louise Herron, Deputy Director of Public Health at the PHA, said: “Breast cancer accounts for 30 percent of all cancer in women in Northern Ireland, with around 1,500 cases a year. As the risk increases with age and most cases occur in women over the age of 50, it is really important that you attend for breast screening when invited, as there is a better chance that treatment will be successful if breast cancer is found early. In 2023/24 the total number of breast cancers detected in Northern Ireland by screening was 565. Screening is offered to women aged between 50 and 70 every three years, and it could save your life. 

“However, breast cancer can develop at any age. It can also develop even if your most recent screening came back clear. That is why it is important to be breast aware and regularly check your breasts whatever your age. To help ensure you pick up any changes in your breasts, you need to be aware of what is normal for you. Regular breast self-examination will help you to do this and will help you notice any changes if they occur. If you do notice any potential changes, contact your GP.”

You should familiarise yourself with the breast awareness five-point code:

1. Know what is normal for you;
2. Know what changes to look and feel for;
3. Look and feel your breasts;
4. Report any changes to your GP immediately;
5. Attend breast screening from the age of 50.

There are a number of changes that could indicate that cancer may be present and it is really important to check for these regularly. Our breasts look and feel different at different times in our lives, but if you are worried about any change at all, the best way to put your mind at rest is to speak to your GP. 

Common symptoms of breast cancer include: 

Appearance:

• a change in the size or outline of either breast, especially those caused by arm movement;
• any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin;
• veins that stand out more than usual.

Lumps:

• any lumps or thickening in either breast that feels different from the other breast;
• any swelling or lumps under your armpit or around your collarbone.

Nipple change:

• a nipple that has become pulled in, changed shape or shows signs of any discharge, bleeding, rash or crusted, flaky skin. 

Dr Herron concluded: “If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it is important that you see your GP. And remember, screening can help save lives so I would to urge all woman to consider attending for breast screening when invited.”