October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month which is an annual campaign raising awareness around screening, treatment, and prevention of breast cancer. And every October, people all over the world show their support for those affected.

Breast screening

Breast screening, also known as a mammogram, is an X-ray that checks for signs of breast cancers when they are too small to see or feel.

Women and people between 50-71 years old are invited by the NHS for breast screening every three years.

This service is free, and women and people are encouraged to get screened as the sooner breast cancer is found, the more likely it is to respond well to treatment. You can find more details about breast screening on the NHS website.

Breast aware

Getting screened for breast cancer is vital. And so is being breast aware.

You should become more breast aware because it’s important to know how your breasts usually look and feel. That way, you can spot any changes quickly and report them to a GP.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme has produced a 5-point plan for being breast aware:

• know what’s normal for you.
• look at your breasts and feel them.
• know what changes to look for.
• report any changes to a GP without delay.
• attend routine screening if you’re aged 50 to 70.

You should see a GP if you notice any of the following changes in your breasts:

• a change in the size, outline or shape of your breast.
• a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness.
• a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before.
• a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
• any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently.
• a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
• any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it’s a new pain and does not go away (although pain is only a symptom of breast cancer in rare cases).

Find out more about signs and symptoms of breast cancer on the Breast Cancer Now website.