Breast Cancer: What you need to know

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, with around 55,000 women diagnosed in the UK each year. Over the years, substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

However, there is still a long way to go. It is important to regularly check your breasts for any changes as this can help discover breast cancer early.  If you notice something that isn’t normal, for you, it is important to visit your GP for a check-up.

Signs and symptoms

Healthy breasts come in all shapes and sizes and it is important you familiarise yourself with what’s normal for you. Knowing your breasts inside out will help you to spot if there are any changes or something that doesn’t feel ‘quite right’. As many of you will know, checking them regularly is essential, and once a month is ideal – but remember, it’s not just lumps you are looking for.

Changes to your breasts to be aware of can include:

• Lump/s or swelling
• Changes to the skin
• Changes of colour in the breast
• Changes in the nipple
• Discharge from the nipple
• Changes in shape or size of the breast
• Tenderness in the breast and surrounding area
• Pain in the breast or armpit                    

If you do notice any changes in your breasts, no matter how small you think it is, it is important to speak to your GP as soon as possible.

Signs of Secondary Breast Cancer

Secondary breast cancer (or metastatic cancer) occurs when breast cancer cells spread from the breast to another part or parts of the body. Breast cancer cells can spread through the lymphatic system or the blood stream.  

Early signs of secondary breast cancer can be really non-specific, so, if you have any symptom that is not normal for you, get it checked with your GP or speak to your oncologist/local breast cancer centre.

Make 2nds Count has a list of common secondary breast cancer signs and symptoms you should look out for. We have included them below:

• Pain in your bones that is not relieved by pain medication. Bone pain may worsen in the evening.
• Breathlessness and or a persistent dry cough
• Nausea
• Feeling more tired than usual
• Ongoing headaches that are not relieved by pain medication
• Losing your appetite and/or losing weight
• Swelling and an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach area
• Blurred vision, loss of balance or any feeling of weakness and numbness in your arms and legs
• The discovery of lumps or swollen areas under your arm, in your breast and/or your collarbone areas.

Remember men can get breast cancer too

Although it is rare, men can also be diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Around 350 men are diagnosed each year according to stats by Cancer Research UK.  There are a few symptoms to look out for, and the most common one is a lump in the chest area. Ulcers and swelling on the chest should also be looked out for.

Fiona’s top tips

• Know what is normal for you, and if you notice any change in your breasts, see your GP.
• After a primary breast cancer diagnosis, your regular mammogram will only show if there is any suspected cancer in your breasts.  Clear mammograms don’t mean that your breast cancer hasn’t spread to other parts of your body. 
• Make yourself familiar with the signs and symptoms of secondary breast cancer.  

You can read more about Fiona’s breast cancer journey and why she created Insurancewith here.

Finally, if you are looking for breast cancer travel insurance, take a look at our dedicated breast cancer travel insurance page here.

View all posts by Becca Kingsley