Be Breast Aware: Western Trust issues vital wellbeing advice this October
Breast Team emphasises how mammograms catch subtle changes before they can be felt, making treatment less invasive.
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of breast health, promote early detection, and encourage people to take positive steps for their wellbeing.
Earlier this week, the Western Health & Social Care Trust (Western Trust) Breast Team hosted lunchtime drop-in sessions across both the Northern and Southern sectors, providing information and guidance on breast awareness and the importance of recognising potential signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
The key message from these sessions was clear: being breast aware is one of the most important factors in the early detection of breast cancer.
Many people associate breast cancer with the discovery of a lump, but there are a number of other signs that should not be ignored. These can include:
- Bleeding or discharge from the nipple
- Skin dimpling
- Changes to the skin of the breast, including an orange peel-like appearance
- Changes in breast shape, size, or appearance
If you notice any unusual changes, it is important to seek advice from your GP.
The team also highlighted the importance of attending routine breast screening appointments when invited, even if you have no symptoms or concerns. Mammograms can detect subtle changes within the breast that may not be visible or felt, helping to identify cancer at an earlier stage when treatment can be less invasive.
It is equally important to remember that breast cancer can affect men as well as women. Men who notice changes in their chest or breast tissue should not ignore them and should seek medical advice from their GP.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take a few moments to check in with your own health and encourage conversations about breast health with your family, friends, and colleagues. A simple conversation could help someone recognise a symptom, seek advice sooner, and potentially save their life.
Be breast aware. Attend screening when invited. Know the signs. Act early.