Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK. Screening saves lives by finding cancer early, when it’s easier to treat, which may make treatment more likely to be successful.

What are the symptoms of female breast cancer?

• A lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• A change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• A change in size or shape of one or both breasts
• nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
• A change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
• Pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer.

How to check your breasts for symptoms

It’s important to check your breasts regularly so you know what’s normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.

Screening information

Women aged between 50-70 will be called every three years for a free breast screening appointment (mammogram). It is vital that you attend. Women are no longer automatically invited after age 71 however can still request an appointment. Breast cancer can be detected through screening even when there are no visible symptoms.

What happens at my screening?

Breast screening is usually done by 1 or 2 female mammographers. You can ask them about any questions or concerns you have.

1. You’ll need to undress, in a private changing area, so you are naked from the waist up. You may be given a hospital gown to put on.
2. You’ll be called into the X-ray room and the mammographer will explain what will happen.
3. The mammographer will place your breast onto the X-ray machine. It will be squeezed between 2 pieces of plastic to keep it still while the X-rays are taken. This takes a few seconds and you need to stay still. Your breast will be taken off the machine afterwards.
4. The X-ray machine will then be tilted to one side and the process will be repeated on the side of your breast.
5. Your other breast will be X-rayed in the same way.
6. You will then return to the changing area to get dressed.

Your results will be sent to you in the post.

If you’re trans or non-binary

If you’re a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary, how likely you are to get breast cancer depends on if you’ve had surgery, and if you’re taking hormones. Click on the following link for dedicated information and guidance on screening for trans and non-binary people: NHS population screening: information for trans and non-binary people – GOV.UK

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk

If any of your close relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may be eligible for an NHS genetic test. A genetic test will check to see if you have a faulty gene which increases your risk of getting cancer, such as a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

Speak to a GP about genetic testing if breast or ovarian cancer run in your family.

Local contacts and support

The following links lead to support groups across Staffordshire.

• Staffordshire Connects | Butterflies Breast Cancer Support Group
• Staffordshire Connects | Terrible Titties and Other Bitties Breast Cancer Support Group
• Pink Sisters & Misters Cancer Support Group – Macmillan Cancer – Macmillan Cancer Support
• Complementary wellbeing for Cancer Support in Tamworth Staffordshire

Resources