IT’S one of the most common cancers in the UK – with close to 56,000 cases each year.
To catch breast cancer, people are often taught to check their boobs for new or unusual lumps or bumps.
ReutersSarah Ferguson,was delivered the cancer news after a recent routine mammogram only a couple of weeks ago[/caption]
Beyond breast changes, though, there are other signs that could be indication of the killer cancer.
One silent symptom can be spotted while spraying or rolling on deodorant.
According to the NHS. a lump or swelling in either of your armpits can be a sign.
This is because the breast tissue sometimes reaches up into the armpit region.
A lump felt in your underarm could in reality be a lump in your breast – you just never knew your breast extended that far.
It could also suggest the breast cancer has begun to spread to lymph nodes in your armpit – which filter out infections and cancers.
This week, the Duchess of York revealed she had been suffering with the disease.
Sarah Ferguson, 63, was delivered the cancer news after a recent routine mammogram only a couple of weeks ago.
The Duchess, known as ‘Fergie’ was admitted to King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, London, on Tuesday.
It is believed she needed a major operation and was only discharged Sunday morning after six days of medical care.
But friends have described the operation as “successful”.
Every year around 11,500 women and 85 men die from breast cancer in the UK – that’s nearly 1,000 deaths each month.
Sun GP, Dr Zoe Williams said her thoughts were with the Duchess of York and her family.
“Her experience serves to highlight just how important it is that everyone who is eligible takes up the offer of a mammogram, bowel cancer screening and cervical screening,” she said.
“When it comes to breast cancer early diagnosis can make a huge difference.”
“When the disease is treated in the earliest stage, survival is above 98 per cent.
“That’s why it is vital that we all regularly check our breasts and are aware of the potential signs of breast cancer, so that we can spot it as early as possible and receive treatment at the earliest stage.”
The NHS Breast Screening Programme is currently for women aged between 50 and 70, and involves screening every three years.
Mammography is used for the early detection of breast cancer and involves an X-ray of the breasts.
Other signs of breast cancer you must know
ACCORDING to Breast Cancer Now, the signs of breast cancer include:
A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling
A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted)
Rash or crusting around the nipple
Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple
Changes in size or shape of the breast
You should see a doctor if you notice any change to the breast.
Even though it probably is not cancer, catching it early will improve the odds of survival.
Secondary breast cancer is when cancer cells spread from the breast to other parts of the body. At this point, it is no longer curable.
The signs of this are:
Feeling sick most of the time
Severe or ongoing headaches
A dry cough or feeling of breathlessness
Any lumps or swellings under the arm, breastbone or collarbone
Discomfort or swelling under the ribs or across the upper abdomen
Loss of balance of any weakness or numbness of the limbs
Pain in the bones which may worsen at night
Feeling more tired than usual
Altered vision or speech
Unexpected weight loss, loss of appetite
