Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK. Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50 but young women can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. About 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. There is a good chance of recovery particularly if it is detected at an early stage. For this reason, it's vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP. Woman over the age of 50 are invited to take part in the National Breast screening programme.
Causes of breast cancer
The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood. However, there are certain factors which are known to increase the risk of breast cancer. These include:
- age – the risk increases as you get older
- a family history of breast cancer
- a previous diagnosis of breast cancer
- a previous non-cancerous (benign) breast lump
- being tall, overweight or obese
- drinking alcohol
Click here to find out more breast cancer in women.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Breast cancer can have several symptoms, but the first noticeable symptom is often a lump or area of thickened breast tissue. Click on the link below for more information
Common symptoms
- Breast lump or area of thickened breast
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breast
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash like eczema, crusting, scaly or itchy skin, or any redness on or around the nipple
- discharge or bleeding from one or both nipples
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
It is worth noting that Breast pain without other symptoms is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.
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