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Breast screening video transcipt

Breast cancer is relatively uncommon in women under 40, but the likelihood of developing it increases with age – around 80 per cent of breast cancers occur in women aged over 50.

If you are aged between 50 and 70, you will be invited to take part in the Breast Screening Programme. It is very important you attend.

It is also important that all women are familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel at different times. You should check your breasts regularly and be aware of any unusual changes.

There’s no set way to check your breasts. But it is important that you check the whole breast, up to your neck and into your armpits. You can feel them with any part of your hand or fingers.

Changes in the breast can often be harmless and can occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, at different times of the month if you still have your periods and after the menopause.

If you notice any unusual change in your breasts, tell your doctor without delay. You are not wasting anyone’s time.If it is breast cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.

On the other hand if there is no cancer, you spend less time worrying.

Unusual changes include:

  • if one breast changes in size or shape
  • a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit that is different to the rest of the breast
  • puckering, dimpling, inflammation or redness of the skin
  • if a nipple becomes inverted, changes shape or points differently
  • rashes on or around the nipple
  • discharge or fluid (not milky) from one or both nipples
  • pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit that is not related to your periods, or
  • swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone

Remember:

  • know what is normal for you
  • know what changes to look and feel for and report any changes to your GP immediately, and
  • attend for breast screening from the age of 50