EMPOWERING AWARENESS: BREAST CANCER IN THE UK
In the United Kingdom, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Raising awareness and early detection is key in managing the risk of breast cancer.
W
hile great strides have been made in breast cancer research and treatment, awareness remains a critical tool in
early detection and prevention.
Breast cancer in the UK: an overview Breast cancer is a prevalent health concern in the UK, affecting both women and, though less commonly, men. The statistics are sobering: • According to Cancer Research UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with around 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually in women and 400 cases in men.
• In Scotland, every year around 4,800 people are diagnosed with breast cancer.
• Approximately one in seven women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
• Breast cancer is responsible for over 11,000 deaths in the UK each year, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women (after lung cancer).
These numbers highlight the importance of awareness, early detection, and timely intervention.
Causes and risk reduction There are different factors that affect the chances of developing breast cancer. There is no one single reason – it results from a combination of the way we live our lives, our genes and our surrounding environment. Everyone can take steps to lower their chances of getting breast cancer by making small healthy changes and living well now, including drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight and keeping physically active.
Signs and symptoms Breast cancer can manifest with various signs and symptoms. It is important to note that some individuals may experience no symptoms at all. Here are some common signs and symptoms of breast cancer:
Lump in the breast: The most common sign is the presence of a painless lump in the breast or underarm.
Changes in breast size or shape: Breast cancer may cause one breast to become larger or change in shape compared to the other. Unexplained swelling or thickening of a part of the breast or underarm area should be evaluated.
Skin changes: Look for skin changes on the breast, such as a rash or redness, dimpling (resembling the skin of an orange), or puckering.
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