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• Ness

  

  • 81 posts
  October 12, 2012 2:09:39 PM WATime

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  Breast cancer doesn't care about your age, ethnicity or gender...

   

   

  Breast cancer affects women of all ages, including younger womern, so it's never too early to start being breast aware and check your breasts regularly, espceially when more than half of breast cancers are gounf by women themselves or by their doctors.

   

   

  Know your breasts and look for changes

   

   

  Young women have denser breast so it can be harder to find lumps, but it's not just lumps you are looking for. The key is to get to know your breasts so that you notice any changes and if your're over 50, have a free mammogram every two years.

   

   

  What to look for;

   

   

  1. A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast or in the armpit. This could be a well-defined lump or an area of firmer or harder tissue compared to the surreounding tissue. It does not have to be tender or sore.

   

   

  2. Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering or redness.

   

   

  3. Nipple changes such as an unusual discharge, the nipple pointing in rather than out, or an itchy or ulcerated area.

   

   

  4. Any part of the breast that feels different.

   

   

  5. Any unusual or persistent pain.

   

   

  Don't be scared, breast cancer in youg women is less common. In fact, most lumps found in young women are not cancer but it's still important that you discuss any changes with your health professional.

   

  This post was edited by Ness at October 12, 2012 2:09:39 PM WATime"

  The Click Project Coordinator
  

  Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!