Breast
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK – each year 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.
Anyone can be affected by breast cancer, regardless of age or gender, but it is most common in women aged 50 and over.
There is a good chance of recovery if it is detected early.
In line with the national screening programme women aged 50-70 are invited once every three years. Women aged over 70 can self-refer every three years for as long as they wish to be screened.
Symptoms
- A lump in your breast or armpit
- A change in the shape or size of one or both breasts
- Dimpling of the skin or thickening of breast tissue
- Sunken nipple (inverted)
- Rash on or around the nipple, like eczema
- Discharge from the nipple
The most common symptom is a lump in breast, however not all lumps are cancerous. If you feel a lump you should always get it checked by your GP as soon as possible.
Treatment
The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage of your cancer. The main treatments include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Hormonal therapy
- Targeted cancer drugs
- Bone strengthening drugs
Your treatment plan may have a combination of these.
Support and more information available
Coventry Breast Cancer Group
Contact: Dollar Abbot
Phone: 024 7634 2236
Email: dollar@lifespace.info