Breast Cancer Awareness Month

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to #KnowYourNormal. It’s always best to get anything unusual checked by a doctor early on.

The month aims to promote screening and reduce the risk of the disease, which affects 2.3 million women worldwide. Known best for its pink theme color, the month features a number of campaigns and programs designed to:

• support people diagnosed with breast cancer, including those with metastatic breast cancer

• educate people about breast cancer risk factors

• encourage women to go for regular breast cancer screening starting at age 40 or earlier, depending on personal breast cancer risk

• raise money for breast cancer research

According to the NHS, you should contact your GP if you encounter any of the following:

• a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
• a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
• a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
• a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast