24 October, 2023
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
First initiated in 1985 in the Unites States, breast cancer awareness month has now become an annual international health campaign to increase global awareness of breast cancer. The goal of the month long campaign is to increase awareness of the disease, to educate about prevention and early detection and to raise funds for continued research into breast cancer. This October what better time to learn more about breast cancer risk factors, prevention and breast awareness.
Breast cancer is the now the 2nd most common cancer diagnosed in females in Ireland. Approximately 3500 women receive a breast cancer diagnosis per year (NCRI, 2021). This approximates to a 1 in 10 chance of developing breast cancer before the age of 74 years (NCRI, 2021). It is important to mention that not only women are affected, with 1% of all breast cancers affecting men. What is evident is whether breast cancer is diagnosed in a male or female early detection is a key factor affecting both treatment and long term outcomes.
Risk Factors for breast cancer include:
• Being female
• Advancing age
• Family history of breast cancer or a known gene mutation
• History of benign breast disease or dense breast tissue
• Smoking
• Alcohol consumption
• Late age of first pregnancy or not having children (nulliparity)
• Oral contraception & hormone replacement therapy use
• Having a greater body fat deposition when post-menopausal
How to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer
Becoming breast aware and knowing your own breasts can only serve to increase detection rates of any breast or axilla (underarm) abnormalities. Maintaining a healthy body weight and being physically active are healthy life choices for everyone. Choosing not to smoke and moderating/limiting or omitting alcohol will reduce your risk of developing certain cancers. In females-choosing to breast feed and discussing contraceptive and hormone replacement risks and benefits with your GP are encouraged.
Breast awareness
Incorporating breast self-examination into your self-care routine is a recommended and quick way to look after your health. As an adult woman you should continue breast self-exams throughout your life irrespective of age, pregnancy or menopause. For those women within childbearing years it is recommended to perform a breast check monthly a week after the end of your period. For those women who are post-menopausal women it is suggested to examine your breasts on the same day each month.
Key points to breast awareness include:
• Knowing what is normal for you
• Knowing what changes to look for
• Looking and feeling
• Discussing any changes with your GP
• Attending for routine breast screening from 50 yrs.
What is abnormal?
• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Changes in the nipple-in shape, direction, flattening of the nipple or if the nipple pulls inwards
• Changes around or on the nipple/areola-rash, crusting, flaky skin, nipple discharge
• Changes in the skin-redness, dimples, puckering, orange peel appearance, thickening of the skin
• Swelling in the armpit
How to perform a breast examination
Knowing your own breasts is vital. How you examine your own breasts is individual-some prefer or find it easier to examine their breasts while in the shower, some while lying down and some while standing. Below are some recommendations which may be used as guidance:
Stand upright in front of the mirror. Ensure all clothing is removed from the waist upwards
Look at both breasts for any changes
• Change positions and look at the breasts from different angles
• Stand upright and look with hands raised then lowered
• Press both hands to your hips and look for any changes standing upright then leaning forward
Feel for any changes:
• Using three fingers-the index and the two fingers beside
• Feel with the pads of the fingers and apply gently pressure
• Imagine the face of a clock over your breast. Begin near your collarbone at the 12 o’clock position moving/sliding your fingers down the breast toward your nipple. Then move your fingers to the next position at 1 o’clock and perform the same examination. Continue this pattern around the breast using the arms of the clock as guidance until the full breast is examined
• Then starting at the collar bone work in wide circular motions moving from the outer breast to the inner area until you reach the nipple
• Then feel under both arms for any abnormalities
When to seek advice?
If you are concerned regarding a breast symptom it is advised that you make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. Your GP or doctor will then refer you to a symptomatic breast clinic for assessment if they deem this necessary. Encouragingly not all breast lumps are cancer-90% turn out to be benign (HSE, 2023).
Recent data suggests 25% of all breast cancers in Ireland are screen detected (NCRI, 2021). This means a large percentage of all breast cancers are detected by women themselves. This October do something positive-become breast aware. Don’t forget, set that monthly reminder for your breast self-exam.
For further information please visit:
How to check your breasts | Irish Cancer Society
Breast Care Unit | St James's Hospital
Breast cancer | Irish Cancer Society