Breast Cancer
October is breast cancer awareness month, and you will see a lot of pink, but breast cancer does not only affect women, but it also affects men.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer. 5% of breast cancer warriors are under the age of 40 years old and in men most breast cancer is diagnosed in their 60’s.
Breast cancer is when the cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different kinds of breast cancer and this depends on which cells in the breast.
It can begin in different parts of the breast. The breast is made up of three main sections, the lobules, ducts, and connective tissue. The lobules are the glands that produce milk. The ducts are tubes that carry milk to the nipple and the connective tissue is the bit that holds it all together! Most will begin in the ducts or lobules.
Early signs of breast cancer
There are several early signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
- Breast swelling.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Dimpling of the skin.
- Breast feeling different to the touch.
- Swelling or lump under the arm or on the collarbone.
- Skin changes on the breast or nipple.
- Itchy breasts.
- Painful breasts.
- Changes in breast size.
- Change in breast colour.
Where can you get help?
Number one if you feel a lump go straight to your doctors. They will be able to get you the medical help, however there are some amazing places who can provide support to not only the sufferer but also their friends and family.
How can I help?
There are so many ways that you can help from being a great friend to raising funds for ground-breaking research and invaluable support.
Why not:-
- Host a tea or coffee morning.
- Have a bake sale.
- Bingo night.
- Sponsored walks.
- Car wash.
- World record attempt.
- Staff BBQ.
- Sports day.
- Quiz night.
- A sponsored event i.e a run, cycle, head/beard shave.
