Did you know?

• Breast cancer affects one in eight women in the UK every year.
• It also affects men - around 300 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every year.
• Between 2004 and 2006 there were 1,444 people diagnosed with breast
  cancer in County Durham and Darlington.
• Breast cancer screening can show breast cancer at an early stage, often when lumps are too small to feel. Treatment can then begin when the cancer is at an early stage. This is why it is so important to attend screening sessions.
• Breast feeding can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

• A lump in either breast
• A change in the shape or size of a breast
• Changes to the skin e.g. dimpling or puckering
• Inverted (pulled in) nipple or a change in shape
• Discharge from the nipple
• Swelling or lump in the armpit

What can I do to help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer?

• Reduce the amount of alcohol that you drink – drinking alcohol in excess everyday increases the risk. The recommended guidelines for drinking alcohol are: 2-3 units or less for females per day; 3-4 units or less for males per day.
• Watch your weight – especially women after the menopause as this can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
• Eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.
• Eat only a little red and processed meat every week - red meat includes beef, veal, pork and lamb.
• Take regular exercise.
• Do not smoke.
• Go for breast cancer screening sessions when you are invited. Screening sessions are available for women from the age of 50 – 70. Women over the age of 70 can request a mammogram but they will not be automatically invited.

Useful Websites

To find out more information on symptoms and self-examination visit these websites:

Be Clear On Cancer

Breast Cancer Care

Check them regularly. This does not have to be just after a period. You can check them in the shower, when you are getting dressed, or both!

Get to know what is normal for you – you may have always had lumpy boobs, if so then this is normal for you. If you notice something that is different for you that is when you need to see a doctor.

Look and feel – look in the mirror – put your hands on your head, then on your hips and look for any changes to the breasts and the skin.

To check for lumps - use your three middle fingers and press all over the breast making sure you cover the whole area of the breast including up into the armpit. You will need to press quite firmly to feel for any small lumps. Also check that you cover the nipple area as lumps may be behind the nipple.

If you notice any changes see a doctor as soon as possible – remember your doctor has seen lots of women with all kinds of problems so they are used to checking out boobs!

Audio Guides

For further information about Breast Cancer, Star Radio has produced the following audio guides. Click below to listen to each of them on this page. You can also download them to put on your MP3 player.

For further information

Please speak to a member of the cancer prevention team on 01207 523425 if you have any questions on breast cancer (this is not a 24hour helpline).

The Macmillan Cancer Information
and Support Centre phone number is
0191 3332815 (this is not a 24hr helpline).

Staff and trained volunteers are available to provide information and support to anyone affected by cancer.

Or speak to your doctor – please do not delay in getting your symptoms checked out, and don’t forget that your doctor is used to seeing people with all kinds of problems and complaints. You will not be wasting their time – that is what they are there for.

Remember that most people who have tests are not diagnosed with cancer. There could be many causes of your symptoms.

www.health-promotion.cdd.nhs.uk