Breast Cancer Awareness Month  

Dr Katy Kasraie, private Harley Street GP, discusses breast cancer, the symptoms to look out for and treatment options available. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month Dr Kasraie outlines the importance of raising awareness of the disease. With 1 in 7 women diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK there are approximately 55,000 women diagnosed each year.

Some common symptoms of breast cancer to look out for include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast or armpit.
• A change in skin texture i.e., puckering or dimpling of the skin.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast or nipple
• Rash, crusting or changes to the nipple.
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed.
• Breast pain or nipple pain
• Any unusual discharge from either nipple

“If you begin your period before age 12, have your first baby after 35, or begin menopause after age 55, there is an increased risk”

While there are many risk factors with breast cancer, such as family history, that are beyond our control there are positive steps we can take in out daily lives to help reduce some of the other risks. Improved diet, exercise and lifestyle can all have an impact and help reduce the risk of breast cancer. If you have any symptoms or there is history of ovarian or breast cancer in your family then it is advised to have a breast cancer screen, as with many cancers early detection is vital and increases survival rates.

To find out more read the full article in the link below. If you are experiencing any breast cancer symptoms and would like to know more about our private cancer screening options available then please get in touch here.