October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – 25th Anniversary

Here at Aria Medical Group we’d like to share the news that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This year, Breast Cancer Care is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the pink ribbon, a powerful symbol for millions of people affected by the disease.

There are many ways you can show your support, including at events such as:

• The Big Pink – Create your own fund raising event throughout October 2017. You can find inspiration for fund raising on the Breast Cancer Care website here.
• Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day – 13 October 2017
• The Show Scotland – 26 October 2017

Become better informed about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer.

• a change in size or shape
• a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
• a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange)
• redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
• your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
• liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
• pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time
• a swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

Many symptoms of breast cancer, such as breast pain or a lump, may in fact be caused by normal breast changes or a benign (not cancer) breast condition. However, if you notice a change, it’s important to see your local doctor as soon as you can.

Some people think that having breast cancer will cause other symptoms apart from a breast change, such as feeling tired, having less energy or weight loss, but this is not the case. If you notice a change, even if you feel well, it’s important to visit your GP.

There is also a helpful forum on the Breast Cancer Care website.