Awareness into Action: Breast Cancer Prevention

This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with essential information about breast cancer, how to recognise its signs, and the steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Awareness into Action: Breast Cancer Prevention

By Dr. Hannah Watson 

Every October, we unite to raise awareness about breast cancer. Behind the pink ribbons and heartfelt stories lies a vital truth: knowledge and proactive care can save lives. This comprehensive guide aims to equip you with essential information about breast cancer, how to recognise its signs, and the steps you can take to reduce your risk. Your potential risk is year round, so let’s transform breast cancer awareness into an open and continued commitment to health and wellness.

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. It is the most common cancer in the UK, with approximately 55,200 new cases each year—an average of 150 people diagnosed daily. Astonishingly, 1 in 7 women in the UK will confront this diagnosis in their lifetime. Understanding this disease is the first step towards effective prevention and treatment.

Spotting the Symptoms

Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Being vigilant about the following symptoms is crucial:

  • A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit: Often, the first noticeable sign.
  • Changes in the size, shape, or feel of the breast: Any unusual alteration should be checked.
  • Skin changes such as puckering, dimpling, rash, or redness could indicate underlying issues.
  • Nipple discharge or changes in nipple position: Particularly if it's unusual or occurs without squeezing.
  • Persistent breast discomfort: Though pain is a rare symptom of breast cancer, it should not be ignored.

Healthy breasts come in all shapes and sizes. Familiarise yourself with what’s normal for you, so you can detect any changes early and consult your GP without delay.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme’s 5-Point Plan

To help you stay vigilant, the NHS Breast Screening Programme has developed a straightforward 5-point plan:

  1. Know what’s normal for you: Understand the usual look and feel of your breasts.
  2. Regularly look at and feel your breasts: Make this a routine part of your self-care.
  3. Recognise the changes to watch for: Be aware of the warning signs.
  4. Report any changes to a GP without delay: Early consultation can make a significant difference.
  5. Attend routine screening if you’re aged 50 to 70: Regular screenings are vital for early detection.

A practical tip: Examine your breasts and armpits up to your collarbone, perhaps in the shower or bath using a soapy hand. Also, inspect your breasts in the mirror with your arms by your side and then raise them.

Modifiable Risk Factors

While some risk factors for breast cancer cannot be changed, such as age and family history, several lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce your risk:

Breast cancer awareness extends beyond October; it's a year-round commitment to health and vigilance. By understanding the symptoms, regularly checking your breasts, and adopting healthier lifestyle choices, you can significantly reduce your risk. Stay informed, proactive, and share this knowledge to empower others. Together, we can transform awareness into action and make a lasting difference in the fight against breast cancer. For more information, visit Breast Cancer UK and Cancer Research UK.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Hannah Watson is a qualified UK-based GP (General Practitioner) with a passion for women's health.. Since 2002, she has served the North Leeds community, developing a keen interest in the impact of nutrition and lifestyle on wellbeing.

She has received specialised training in Bioidentical Hormone Therapy through the Marion Gluck Training Academy, enabling her to formally assess, investigate, and prescribe these therapies when appropriate.

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HORMONAL & PROUD

Created as a brand to help women navigate the toughest moments in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum — and practically every stage of life –– The SABI aims to change the narrative around our hormones from one of taboo, embarrassment, and loneliness to awareness and pride. As more than a wellness brand, The SABI offers a carefully-crafted line of products to carry you through your hormonal journey, including rituals, supportive tools, and ancient herbal remedies that have been tested time and time again by women and now come backed by medicine. The SABI is a blend of science and nature conceived by women who have experienced the joys and deep struggles of bringing a child into the world, the pains of a heavy, difficult period, miscarriage, and difficulty conceiving.

We offer you an invitation to get to know your body and its cycles better –– an invitation to really understand what is going on inside. Learn to use your hormonal cycle to your advantage no matter your stage of life, and know that you can support and balance your hormone levels. Look for the right sources of information. Know that there is help, and know that you’re supported.

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DISCLAIMER

The SABI blog and articles are not meant to instruct or advise on medical or health conditions, but to inform. The information and opinions presented here do not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with healthcare professionals for your unique situation.  

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REFERENCES

Breast cancer Statistics https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer 

Obesity and Breast Cancer: The Estrogen Connection https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2689796/#:~:text=It%20is%20now%20well%20established,growth%20factor%20in%20this%20relationship

Physical Activity and Cancer Risk. Actual Knowledge and Possible Biological Mechanisms https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7877262/#:~:text=Physically%20active%20women%20had%20up,insulin%20resistance%2C%20and%20inflammatory%20adipokines

How does alcohol cause cancer? https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/alcohol-and-cancer/how-does-alcohol-cause-cancer#:~:text=Breast%20cancer%20is%20the%20most,you%20drink%20at%20low%20levels

Endocrine disrupting chemicals and breast cancer: a systematic review of epidemiological studies https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33819127/#:~:text=Increasing%20epidemiological%20evidence%20suggest%20that,been%20conducted%20on%20this%20topic

Using HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) https://www.breastcancer.org/risk/risk-factors/using-hormone-replacement-therapy 

The relationship between tobacco and breast cancer incidence: A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9520920/ 

Insulin Levels Found to Affect Breast Cancer Survival https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/insulin-levels-found-to-affect-breast-cancer-survival/

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