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Get you know what’s normal for you this Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of checking your breasts regularly and making sure you get a check-up if something doesn’t feel quite right.

Life is busy and there are a lot of important things we have to do but making sure you check your breasts should be a priority. By checking your breasts regularly, you will notice any unusual changes quickly and have the confidence to know what’s normal for you each month.

1 in 7 women in the UK will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime with it being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 40. Although mainly prominent in women, around 370 men are also diagnosed in the UK each year.

What to look out for

You should see your GP if you have:

  • A change in the size, shape or feel of one or both breasts
  • A new lump or area of thickened tissue in a breast or armpit
  • A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
  • A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
  • A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
  • A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple

Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor.

You can find out more information about breast cancer and how to check your breasts at the following websites:

Breast Cancer Now
Cancer Research
Coppafeel
NHS.uk