How much do you know about breast cancer?

Sue Green, Senior Information Development Nurse at Macmillan

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Macmillan Cancer Support is encouraging people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease.

Breast cancer accounts for 15% of all new cancer cases. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women in the UK, with more than 54,500 cases diagnosed every year. It is more common in women over 50.

Men can also get breast cancer, but this is rare.

Sue Green, Senior Information Development Nurse at Macmillan, said: “Knowing what changes to look for and when to see your doctor could make a real difference. Don’t be scared if you have symptoms. Get them checked.”

See your doctor if you have any of these symptoms:

• a lump in the breast
• a change in the size or shape of the breast, such as swelling in all or part of the breast.
• dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue
• a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)
• a rash (like eczema) on the nipple
• discharge or bleeding from the nipple
• swelling or a lump in the armpit.
• pain or discomfort in the breast that does not go away

Sue added: “Most breast changes are not caused by cancer but if you do notice anything that isn’t normal for you, see your doctor. If you do have cancer, the sooner it’s found, the more likely it is to be successfully treated.”

If you need support or just want someone to talk to about breast cancer, call Macmillan Cancer Support free on 0808 808 00 00 or visit

• macmillan.org.uk