KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR BREASTS

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity for us all to focus on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community. Breast cancer affects one in nine New Zealand women over their lifetime. Overall, 80% of people with breast cancer survive 10 years or more (92% if detected on a screening mammogram), but tragically, more than 650 women die of the disease every year. Finding breast cancer early provides the best chance of surviving the disease. Remember, you don’t need to be an expert or use a special technique to check your breasts. Changes to look for include:

• A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast

• A change in the size or shape of your breast

• A change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion, or a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing

• A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling

• An unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Most breast changes are not due to cancer but it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any of these changes.