October is Australia’s breast cancer awareness month, which is a good opportunity to bring light to a very common cancer that affects the lives of many Australians and others worldwide. Fortunately, early detection saves lives, so we encourage women to look out for the following:
- New lumps, thickening, change in size or shape, especially if it’s one breast
- Change to nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness, or inversion
- Nipple discharge
- Change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
- An unusual pain that doesn’t go away
- discomfort or swelling in the armpit
The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, and it can be hereditary. Lifestyle factors such as being overweight, lack of physical activity and excessive consumption of alcohol can slightly increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
For detailed information types of breast cancer, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, screening and early detection, as well as prevention, and prognosis, visit the cancer council website here: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/breast-cancer