Sarah Harding: Janette Manrara reveals breast cancer fears
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Around 98 percent of women will survive Stage 1 breast cancer for five years or more after diagnosis, according to Cancer Research UK. It is important to catch breast cancer early, so learning the signs of the disease is the first step to protecting yourself. Express.co.uk chatted to Debashis Ghosh, consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon clinical lead at the Royal Free London and The London Clinic, to find out the signs to look out for in your breasts that need to be seen by a medical professional.
Girls Aloud star Sarah Harding recently died at the age of 39 from breast cancer.
The shocking death of the singer has spurred Brits to encourage their followers on social media to check their breasts on a regular basis.
Breast cancer doesn’t just show up as a lump, it manifests in a few different ways.
Signs to look out for in your breasts
We are always under the impression that breast cancer presents as a lump.
But it is equally important to look out for the non-lump signs of breast cancer, according to consultant breast and oncoplastic surgeon clinical lead at the Royal Free London and the London Clinic, Debashis Ghosh.
Mr Ghosh listed the following things as potential signs of breast cancer:
- A difference in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- A difference or changing colour of the breasts
- A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- A change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
- An orange peel-like appearance with or without redness of the skin
The NHS website also explains to look out for a lump or swelling in either of the armpits, a discharge of fluid from either nipples, and a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before.
You can’t just check your boobs every now and then, it needs to be done at a specific time on a regular basis.
Mr Ghosh instructed: “It is imperative to examine one’s breast once a month same time every month.
“If you know your own breasts and how they feel, it’s easier to spot any changes.
“Any changes associated with or without a lump as described above should be reported to their GP or examined by a breast specialist as soon as possible.”
Breast cancer treatment has become more and more advanced.
The expert said: “All early breast cancers are completely treatable and curable.
“The most important message for everyone to understand is that both men and women can develop breast cancer.”
It is important to remain breast aware and everyone who is in the breast screening age should have a mammogram as mammography saves lives.
Mr Ghosh said: “It is also important to be free and open to discuss symptoms and signs of breast cancer within the family.
“The only way we can prevent breast cancer is to be aware of the family history risks, reduce alcohol intake, take regular exercise, keep an eye on your weight and make sure you get your five a day.”
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