20 October 2023
For over 20 years, people in their workplaces, schools and communities have been wearing pink to show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Today at Williamsons, our team in the Clinical Negligence department are wearing it pink.
What is Breast Cancer?
Unfortunately, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK with approximately 55,000 people diagnosed annually. Whilst, mainly breast cancer affects women, men can also be diagnosed.
Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive. Generally, when someone talks about breast cancer, they mean invasive breast cancer where the cells have spread into the surrounding breast tissue from the ducts or lobes.
Breast Cancer Awareness
If detected early, there is a good chance of recovery. The NHS and breast cancer charities therefore highlight that it is vital to be aware of your breasts, particularly how they look and feel normally a different times throughout the month by checking yourself regularly.
The NHS have a Breast Screening Programme has a 5 point plan to being breast aware:
1. Know what’s normal for you
2. Look and feel your breasts
3. Know what changes to look for
4. Report any changes to your GP
5. Attend routine screening if aged 50 or older
Symtoms of Breast Cancer
Men and women both experience similar symptoms.
- A new lump, swelling or thickening in your breast, upper chest or armpit
- A change in size, shape, colour or feel of your breast (including puckering, redness or inflammation)
- A change to your nipple (including change in position, discharge, rashes or inversion)
- Discomfort or pain in one breast (although this is a rarer symptom)
Not all changes are cancer but if you notice any changes that are not normal for you, get these checked by your GP as soon as possible.
Our clinical negligence department have a wealth of experience on dealing with cancer misdiagnosis claims. If you would like to speak to one of our team, please contact Williamsons on 01482 323697.
