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Breast cancerand how to spot it

EasyRead version

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This leaflet tells you how to spotsigns of breast cancer.

It also tells you to go and see your doctorstraight away if you think you have any ofthese signs.

This is an EasyRead version of anotherleaflet about breast cancer.

You may like to have someone tosupport you when you look atthis leaflet.

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What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer can be a serious illness.Every year many women are told theyhave it.

You can get breast cancer at any age butthe older you are the more likely you areto get it.

1 in 3 women who get breast cancerare over 70.

So older women need to know what theirbreasts normally look and feel like so theycan spot any changes.

If breast cancer is found early it ismore treatable.

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How to spot breast cancer

You need to get to know how your breastsnormally look and feel. This will help younotice if anything has changed.

You need to get to know the whole ofyour breasts.

Feel the whole of both of your breastsand your armpits to see if anythingfeels different.

Look at your breasts in the mirror to see ifanything looks different.

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There are different signs of breast canceryou need to look out for.

The main ones are:

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A lump or thickening in your breastor armpit

Any changes to the skin of any part ofyour breast

Any changes in the shape or size ofyour breast

Any changes to your nipples like liquidleaking out

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Any pain in your breast or armpit

Any other changes you notice.

If anything looks or feels different thenyou must go and see your doctor straightaway.

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Why do you need to seeyour doctor?

If you notice any changes in your breastsit may not be serious, but it is always bestto get it checked out by your doctor.

Remember if breast cancer is found earlyit is more treatable.

You are not wasting anyone’s time bygoing to the doctor and your mind maybe put at rest.

If you have family or friends who havenoticed changes to their breasts, makesure they see their doctor.

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How seeing your doctor earlycould save your life

Margaret spotted some changes toher breasts.

She noticed that one of her nipples andthe skin underneath had changed.

She told her doctor straight away.She had some tests and they found shehad cancer.

She had treatment to get rid of the cancerand it worked.

Margaret said, “I’m so glad I acted quickly.If you notice something out of theordinary, visit your doctor straight away.”

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What is screening?

Women aged 50 to 70 are invited to havea test every 3 years to look for breastcancer. This is called screening and is anx-ray of the breasts.

If you are over 70 you can ask forscreening every 3 years. You can dothis by speaking to your local breastscreening unit.

You can find out more about breastscreening and your nearest unit by usingthe web links at the end of this leaflet.

Even if you have been for screening youshould still look out for any changes toyour breasts.

Remember if you notice any change thensee your doctor straight away.

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How to try and stay healthy

Try and stay a healthy weight andkeep fit.

The more active you are, the better. Try:

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swimming

exercise classes

dancing

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l yoga.

And try not to drink too much alcohol.

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How can I find out moreabout breast cancer?If you want to find out more about breastcancer you can:

Go to the website:

www.nhs.uk/breastcancer70

Or talk privately to an information nurse on:0808 800 4040

You can also download this leaflet indifferent formats from the website. Or ifyou want to order copies of this leaflet indifferent formats, email:enquiries@phe.gov.uk

How can I find out more aboutbreast cancer screening?You can find your breast screening unit at:www.nhs.uk/breastscreening

You can find out more to help you choosewhether you want breast screening at:www.nhs.uk/breast-screening-programme

Be Clear on Cancer

© Crown copyright 2015

Produced by Williams Lea, BDS Communications andInspired Services Publishing for Public Health England

Product code 2903919ER