The 7 stealth signs of killer breast cancer that have nothing to do with lumps – how many do you know?
BREAST cancer figures in the UK are becoming very alarming,
There are around 55,900 new cases diagnosed every year – that’s more than 150 every day.
One in seven women will develop the disease in their lifetime.
And, according to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer in Britain, accounting for 15 per cent of all new cases.
On top of this, nearly 1,000 people die from the disease every month in the UK, with the disease killing around 11,500 women and 80 men each year.
The NHS has also warned that thousands of women may be living with breast cancer after missing screening appointments.
Read more on breast cancer
But there is hope.
Early detection significantly increases the chances of treating the cancer effectively.
Because of this, people are taught to check their boobs for lumps and bumps in order to spot the disease.
That's how Hollyoaks star Ali Bastian was recently diagnosed with stage two breast cancer, revealing in September that she found a lump while she was breastfeeding her daughter.
But there are other changes beyond lumps, including skin and nipple changes or unusual discharge.
Here are seven signs to watch out for.
1. Change in breast size or shape
"By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.”
2. Redness or a rash
It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash on the skin and around the nipple.
A rash in this area could just be triggered by a new washing powder or a lacy bra irritating the skin.
"But, if it's an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of something more serious," Carolyn warned.
Crusting around the nipple is also something to watch out for.
3. Nipple discharge
If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
"We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one," said Carolyn.
"But, if it's not normal for you, then mention it to your GP."
4. Swelling: armpit or around collarbone
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer, but they don't always appear in the breast.
"Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas," explained Carolyn.
As a result, when checking your boobs each month it is important to be thorough and check all around the breast and surrounding area.
5. Change in skin texture
From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple - changes in the skin's appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if the skin of your breast looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.
A recent survey by the charity found one in six women had no idea this could be a sign of the disease.
6. An inverted nipple
Some people naturally have inverted nipples - after all, everyone's breasts are different.
But a sudden nipple change is something to watch out for.
"If your nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes its shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign," explained Carolyn.
7. Constant pain
A dull ache that won't go away in the breast or armpit, is a warning sign for breast cancer.
However, it can be difficult to identify.
"Having pain in the breast area is really common," said Carolyn.
"It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra."
But, if the pain doesn't disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.
The importance of breast cancer screenings
By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
THOUSANDS of women may be living with undetected breast cancer after missing screening appointments.
The NHS warned about a third of eligible patients did not accept the free test offer last year.
Figures show that was just over one million people, and 2.2million have missed an appointment in the past three years.
An estimated one in 100 women are diagnosed with cancer after screening.
In 2023 there were 18,942 tumours detected out of 1.93million women screened for breast cancer, but a further 1.05m women who were invited did not attend.
The one per cent detection rate means there were potentially 10,000 missed cases.
Breast cancer is the most common form of the disease in the UK with around 57,000 new cases every year.
Dr Louise Wilkinson, adviser to NHS England, said: “Breast screening saves lives by allowing cancers to be identified and treated earlier.
“Discovering breast cancer at the earliest stage may give you a 98 per cent chance of surviving for five years or more.
“Screening can often pick up cancer before you can even see or feel any changes to your breasts yourself.
“I urge anyone invited to take up the offer.”
Screening is generally offered to women every three years between the ages of 50 and 71, when their risk increases.
Scans are carried out in local clinics and hospitals, as well as in roving scan vans in some places.
Women who have had a mammogram should still check their breasts regularly.
Dr Zoe Williams previously explained how to check your breasts.
She said: "When it comes to checking your breasts, strictly speaking there is no right or wrong way.
"What’s most important is that you do it regularly, ideally once a month, to get to know your breasts and what is normal for you.
"It is only by being familiar with 'our normal' that we are likely to identify if there is a change.
"So whether you check them in bed, in the shower or in the gym changing rooms, it doesn’t matter."
However, it is important to know what you are looking for, she said.
"Look at the breasts, ideally both from the front and the side, looking for any changes in shape or size, or for any lumps, skin changes or changes to the skin of the breast or nipple.
"It’s also important to feel all of the breast tissue."
1 in 4 breast cancer cases could be prevented
Recent research has suggested that one in four breast cancer cases in Britain could be prevented.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge said thousands of women develop the disease every year because of low breastfeeding rates or drinking too much alcohol.
Meanwhile, scientists have developed ultra sensitive blood tests that could identify if breast cancer is likely to return years in advance.
Previously, it was announced that breast cancer patients could avoid gruelling chemotherapy thanks to a cutting-edge AI scanner.
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Inventors of the Digistain artificial intelligence technology say it can tell with 99 per cent accuracy whose cancers are unlikely to come back.
They say up to 4,000 women per year have unnecessary chemo because doctors are over-cautious about the tumour returning.
Sun columnist Kris Hallenga died from breast cancer after key symptoms were dismissed
Sun columnist Kris Hallenga sadly died aged 38 from breast cancer.
The campaigner taught a generation how to ensure breast cancers are diagnosed early and her story is being told in BBC's Living Every Second.
She was 23 when she first noticed symptoms of breast cancer, which included a lump in her breast, accompanied by persistent back pain.
Despite visiting her GP multiple times, her concerns were initially dismissed as hormonal, partly due to her young age.
It wasn't until her symptoms worsened, and the lump remained, that she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, which had already spread to other parts of her body, including her spine.
This delay in diagnosis inspired her to found CoppaFeel!, raising awareness about the importance of recognising early signs, especially for younger women, who might be overlooked.