One in Nine

The VVF asks why breast cancer cases are
rising and investigates the role of diet

BREAST AWARENESS

What to watch for

It is important to know how your breasts look and feel normally so that you can spot any changes as they occur. Early detection of breast cancer increases the chances of effective treatment.
There are several changes to watch for:

  • If one breast becomes larger than the other
  • If a nipple becomes inverted 
  • Rashes on or around the nipple
  • Discharge from one or both nipples
  • Skin texture changes (puckering or dimpling)
  • Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone (where the lymph nodes are)
  • A lump that you feel is different to the rest of your breast tissue
  • Continuous pain in one part of the breast or armpit (not a common symptom)

What to do next

If you do notice one or more of these changes then make an appointment to see your GP as soon as you can but try not to worry too much as most breast symptoms do not turn out to be breast cancer. Non-cancerous or benign breast conditions that may cause breast changes include fibrocystic mastopathy, mastitis and fibroadenoma, to name but a few.

Different types of breast cancer

When breast cancer does occur, cells in part of the breast grow in an uncontrolled way. If the cancer is not treated, the cells can spread within the breast or even further, travelling to other parts of the body. If the cancer cells have not spread, it is called non-invasive breast cancer. If the cancer cells develop in the ducts, the cancer is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), if they occur in the lobules, it is referred to as lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). If the cancer cells have spread (metastasised) into the surrounding breast tissue, lymph glands or further within the body, it is called invasive breast cancer.  


By: Dr Justine Butler, Senior Health Campaigner, Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation (VVF)

Published by: Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation, Top Suite, 8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH
T: 0117 970 5190
E: info@vegetarian.org.uk
W: www.vegetarian.org.uk
© Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation 2007
Registered charity 1037486

Illustration: Philip Downs
Graphic design: The Ethical Graphic Design Company Ltd

Also by Dr Justine Butler: White Lies: the Health Consequences of Consuming Cow’s Milk available from: www.vegetarian.org.uk/campaigns/whitelies/resources.html and A Fighting Chance: a Guide to Healthy Eating to Help Prevent and Overcome Breast Cancer available from: www.vegetarian.org.uk/campaigns/breastcancer
Recommended reading: Your Life in Your Hands by Professor Jane Plant available from: www.vegetarian.org.uk/shop/bookshealth.shtml

 		  

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8 York Court, Wilder Street, Bristol BS2 8QH      Tel: 0117 970 5190