Q&A with Breast Cancer Now for Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2024

Did you know October is breast cancer awareness month? Breast Cancer Now is a groundbreaking charity that Karen Millen is extremely proud to work with. We reached out to the incredibly hard-working team and spoke to one of their specialist nurses, Addie. We asked her all about the importance of checking your breasts or chest, as well as about mammograms, appointments, and breast cancer preconceptions. Read on to learn how to check your breasts/chest, the importance of frequent checking, and more useful information around breast cancer awareness.

What advice would you give to someone planning to check their breasts or chest for the first time?

When checking your breast and chest for the first time, find a time such as when applying a shower gel or moisturiser to the skin. You may need to check every 2-3 weeks initially to get to know your ‘normal’, which for some people may be lumps and bumps, each breast a different size, or an inverted nipple (turned inwards). Stand in front of a mirror to check size and shape, skin texture and nipple area. Anything new or different should be reported to your GP.

How frequently should we be checking our breasts and chests?

Anyone can get breast cancer, so it’s really important to make checking your breasts and chest a regular part of your routine. Breast changes can happen for many reasons; they may be due to hormonal changes as part of your monthly cycle, pregnancy and breastfeeding, the menopause or puberty. But if you get to know what’s normal for you, you'll then be more confident about noticing anything new or different.

There’s no special way to check your breasts and chest and you do not need any training. Checking your breasts and chest is as easy as TLC:

Touch your Breasts

Can you feel anything new or unusual?

Look for Changes

Does anything look different to you?

Check

Check any new or unusual changes with a GP.

What are the symptoms to look out for?

Feel for a lump or swelling in the breast/chest, collar bone, or armpit. Look for changes to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling; a change in colour, such as the skin looking inflamed; or changes to the nipple, perhaps becoming inverted (pointing inwards) when it wasn’t before. Also look for a rash or crusting, unusual discharge, or changes in shape.

Some signs and symptoms may appear differently on various skin tones.

What should I do if I find something?

Speak to your GP and get it checked out. Most breast changes, including breast lumps, are not cancer. But the sooner breast cancer is found, the more successful treatment is likely to be. Breast Cancer Now also has a free, confidential helpline run by nurses (0808 800 6000), who’ll be happy to chat through any questions.

Is it okay to ask for a female doctor or nurse, should I need to see one?

You can ask to see a female doctor or nurse but may have to wait longer to see a female, depending on their availability. If you do see a male doctor they will have a female chaperone when they examine you, to make you feel more comfortable.

Many young people do not know much about mammograms. Can you tell us what happens during this procedure?

A (female) radiographer will ask you to undress from the waist up when you get into the room where the mammogram will be performed. The radiographer will then take 2 views of each breast between 2 plates, top to bottom and side to side. This can be uncomfortable, but only takes a few seconds.

What can I do to support someone undergoing breast cancer treatment?

It depends on the type of person. It’s a good idea to ask them. They may not want any support initially but offer that you’ll be there for them. It may be that they need more support when having treatment, such as picking children up from school, taking them to appointments, or simply popping over for a cup of tea.

What is a common misconception about breast cancer that you wish you could tell everybody?

Many believe that it will always return, even if it’s been treated. The truth is, that most breast cancers are successfully treated and will not recur.

How can I help to spread awareness of breast cancer and the importance of checking your breasts or chest?

Encourage friends and family to view the health information on our website, particularly the pages on ‘signs and symptoms’ and ‘TLC.’ Also, the booklet, ‘Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and breast screening. ‘

Also, encourage loved ones over the age of 50 to attend their breast screening appointments when invited.

Why is breast cancer awareness month important to you?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM) is so important to highlight the importance of breast checking and attending for screening mammograms, as we know that if breast changes are cancer, the earlier they are diagnosed, the more successful treatment is likely to be.

To find out more about Breast Cancer Now and how they can support, visit breastcancernow.org or give their free helpline a ring on 0808 800 6000.

Thank you so much to the team at Breast Cancer Now for your time and help, as well as the essential work you do to help educate and support.

Did you know that 5% of every purchase of our pink category goes straight to BCN for the entirety of October? See below for our top picks of pink items that not only look good, but do good.