Being Breast Aware

Breast cancers produce few warning signs and hardly ever cause pain. There may sometimes be a vague discomfort, but commonly the first thing people notice is an abnormal lump in their breast. Nevertheless, there are other possible signs, and everyone should know the 'breast aware' 5 point plan and look for the warning signs.

It is important that men, too, are 'chest aware' and check themselves regularly.

5 Point plan

1. A change in the outline, shape or size of the breast

2. A new isolated lump

3. Any difference between the 'lumpiness' in the two breasts found early in the menstrual cycle and still there at the end of the cycle

4. Skin dimpling that changes the appearance of the surface of the breast

5. In-drawing of the nipple, or alteration in its direction

Other things to look out for may include:

Discharge from the nipple for no apparent reason

Bleeding from the nipple

Distortion of the area around the nipple (areola)

An 'orange-skin' appearance of the breast skin (not the colour, but the little dimples)

Alteration in the position or 'hang' of the breast compared to the other breast

Rubbery, firm, easily felt lumps or glands (lymph nodes) in the armpit

Go to your GP if you notice anything unusual or are worried.

Against Breast Cancer funds ground breaking research by expert scientists, using one of the UK's largest collections of breast cancer patient samples to identify vital information that could improve detection and lead to increased survival after diagnosis.

If you would like advice about living with breast cancer, or need practical support, please contact one of the following organisations who may be able to help you.

UK websites

www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk/- is a UK charity supporting the physical and emotional needs of anyone affected by breast cancer. Thanks go to Breast Cancer Haven for their help in finding a patient to help with the Against Breast Cancer video campaign.

www.breastcancercare.org.uk/- Patient support, helpine and prosthesis fitting service

www.macmillan.org.uk/Cancerinformation/Cancerinformation.aspx- Cancerbackup is Europe's leading cancer information charity. Its website contains over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families, carers and friends.

Coping with Breast Cancer - Coping with Breast Cancer is a registered charity operating only in East Anglia giving support and friendship to those going through the trauma of breast cancer. As with yourselves our Volunteers have all had breast cancer and are willing to give their time to talk and listen to those who need it now. We have a dedicated 24 hour/365 days a year telephone line where a volunteer can be reached at any time.

International Websites

Information on Herceptin- If you are a patient, or a friend or relative of a patient, this site offers easy-to-understand facts about HER2 and breast cancer, what an HER2-positive diagnosis means, and what questions you could ask a doctor about your HER2 status. This site will allow you to find out about the activity of HER2, its effect on the prognosis of breast cancer, its use in predicting the outcome of therapy and exciting new targeted therapies that improve the survival of HER2-positive breast cancer patients.

MDonWeb - virtual health information - MDonWeb offers the US citizens reliable and credible health information on cancer, diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis, arthritis, obesity, weight loss etc. This will enable access to affordable healthcare to live longer and better quality lives.

OralChemo.org - is an online resource for patients and their caregivers. The site provides information on all aspects of oral chemotherapy treatments and offers help and support for those living with cancerprovides a searchable database of over 1,000 self help organisations and support groups across the UK that offer support, guidance and advice to patients, carers and their relatives