Are you breast care aware?
Earlier this year, Breast Cancer Now, the leading UK breast cancer charity, revealed that almost 11,000 people in the UK could be living with breast cancer that has not yet been diagnosed due to disruption caused by the pandemic.
Now, after October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlighted this important healthcare issue, we put your questions to Mr Amit Agrawal, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital.
How common is breast cancer?
Statistics show that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK. However, if detected at an early stage, there is often a good chance of recovery, which is why breast care awareness and screening are so vitally important.
What signs should I look for?
As women get older their risk of developing breast cancer increases, so breast self-examination routines are an essential part of being breast-aware and understanding what feels right or usual for you. Remember that your breasts may look and feel differently during your cycle, and if you notice a lump, skin dimpling, nipple discharge or changes in your breast appearance, then talk to your GP who can refer you to our breast clinic for screening.
What is breast screening?
Breast screening is provided by a mammogram diagnostic test used to look for any problems within the breast and surrounding tissues. The mammogram x-rays only take a few minutes but can detect breast cancer or other issues at the earliest possible stage, which significantly helps improve successful treatment outcomes. Importantly, they can rule out anything worrying.
What if I’m not in a screening group?
If you don’t have symptoms a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and are not in the screening age range, you can still have rapid access to our breast experts who will provide scans, treatments, professional advice and mammograms for those over 40 years old at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital.
Let’s talk about breast health awareness…
If you would like to know more about breast health, you can join a free online event taking place at 6.30pm on Wednesday, November 17, when Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital breast specialists will be available to discuss concerns and treatment options, followed by a Q&A session. To book your free place, please call 01223 370919 or email cambridge.enquiries@nuffieldhealth.com.
Mr Amit Agrawal holds his clinic every Monday at Nuffield Health Cambridge Hospital, 4 Trumpington Road, Cambridge CB2 8AF. For more information, call 01223 303336 or visit nuffieldhealth.com/hospitals/cambridge.
