Breast cancer is the most common cancer in England with around 41,200 women diagnosed each year. In Sutton, around 130 people are diagnosed with breast cancer every year* and around 40 people die*.
The older you are, the more likely you are to get it. One in three women who get breast cancer are aged 70 and over. If breast cancer is detected early, it is more treatable. Finding it early could save your life.
It is important to be breast aware – get to know how your breasts look and feel normally, so that you'll find it easier to spot something unusual. Your local GP will recommend you feel the whole of your breasts and your armpits to see if anything seems different. If you notice an unusual change go and see your GP.
Dr Chris Elliott, a local GP and Chief Clinical Officer of Sutton CCG said: "If you spot any signs of cancer, go to your GP to get it checked out. You're not wasting anyone's time, and if it isn't serious, your mind will be put at rest.
But if it is cancer, early diagnosis can make all the difference. The sooner cancer is detected, the better the chances of successful treatment."
Possible signs of breast cancer include:
A lump in your breast or armpit
Nipple changes
Changes to the skin of your breast
Changes in the shape or size of your breast
Pain in your breast or armpit
Reduce your chances of getting breast cancer by:
Maintaining a healthy weight: Keeping a healthy body weight is a great way to help reduce your risk of cancer.
Cutting down on alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can lead to a number of health problems and is linked with breast cancer. By drinking less, you'll reduce your health risks.
Looking after yourself: Keep fit and stay active. Swimming, exercise classes, dancing or yoga – no matter what type of exercise, the more you can do, the better.
If you're over 70, you can ask for a free screening every three years. Just get in touch with your local breast screening unit http://www.nhs.uk/service-search/breast-screening-services/locationsearch/325 to make an appointment.
Whatever your age, and even if you attend screening, it's important to remain breast aware. If you find anything unusual or notice a possible symptom, don't wait for your screening appointment – see your doctor right away to be on the safe side.
* Based on the annual average number of breast cancer (ICD10 C50) cases in the following Local Authorities: Croydon, Wandsworth, Bexley, Merton, Sutton, Southwark, Lambeth, Greenwich, Lewisham and Kingston, and Surrey County between 2010-2012.
** Based on the annual average number of breast cancer (ICD10 C50) deaths in the following Local Authorities: Croydon, Wandsworth, Bexley, Merton, Sutton, Southwark, Lambeth, Greenwich, Lewisham and Kingston, and Surrey County between 2010-2012.