October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Affecting both men and women, breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in Australia.
What is it?
Breast cancer, like all cancers, develops when the cells within the breast tissue begin to grow and spread abnormally, forming tumours. This means men can also develop breast cancer within their breast tissue, however it is most prevalent in women.
Prevention and diagnosing
Risk factors for developing the cancer that cannot be changed are genetic predisposition and being a woman. However lifestyle changes such as monitoring your alcohol consumption and weight have been shown to reduce risk of developing breast cancer.
The best chance at surviving the disease is finding it early by being breast aware. You can keep an eye on your body without the use of any special equipment or a health practitioner.
Changes to look for include:
- a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
- a change in the size or shape of your breast
- a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
- a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
- a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- an unusual pain that doesn't go away.
Not all of these changes will be due to breast cancer, but it is important to check in with your doctor immediately if you notice any of these changes. You can book online with us today, visit wsih.nextpracticehealth.com
