Breast cancer awareness month highlights prevention and early detection
- Public Health marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month with campaign focusing on alcohol reduction and early detection through regular self-checks
- Research shows even one alcoholic drink per day can increase breast cancer risk by 7 to 10 per cent, with risk rising as consumption increases
- Breast cancer is the island's third most common cancer, with an average of 12 to 13 deaths annually between 2020 and 2022
- Health officials urge islanders to become familiar with what is normal for their breasts to enable early detection of changes
- Warning signs include lumps, skin texture changes, nipple discharge, swelling in armpit or collar bone area, and sudden changes in size or shape
Public Health is encouraging islanders to take positive steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer and recognise possible signs of the disease at an early stage as October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This year's campaign focuses on two key messages: how limiting alcohol consumption can reduce breast cancer risk and the importance of regularly checking breasts for any unusual changes.
Diane Mathews, Strategic Screening Lead, said: "While most people are aware of the links between alcohol and liver disease, far fewer realise that drinking alcohol can also increase the risk of developing several cancers, including breast cancer."
"Research shows that even one alcoholic drink a day can increase breast cancer risk by around 7 to 10 per cent, with the risk rising as alcohol consumption increases," she added.
Ms Mathews emphasised the importance of awareness: "This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we want islanders to know how they can reduce their risk and how important it is to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts or chest. Knowing what is normal for you means you are more likely to notice a change early and seek advice promptly."
Suzanne Halliday, Breast Nurse Consultant, said: "The most important message is to check your breasts at regular intervals even if you are unsure about what to do. While there are lots of different ways of checking, the main message is to get to know what's normal for you and give it a try."
Ms Halliday advised that timing can help establish a routine: "Sometimes it is easier to check just after your period or to remember a date in the month to help you remember to check regularly. The power of checking every month is that it will help you know what is 'normal' for you and enable you to spot changes more easily."
She outlined the warning signs to look for: "Some of the things you are looking and feeling for are changes in skin texture, lumps or thickening, nipple discharge, nipple inversion or change in nipple direction, any swelling in your armpit or around your collar bone, a sudden change in size or shape, constant or unusual pain, or an unusual appearance to the nipple or skin. If you notice something different for you, you should see your usual doctor who will check you in more detail and may refer you to the breast clinic where you will be met by me or Mr Fysh, our Breast Surgeon, for further examination."
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer on the island after skin cancer and prostate cancer. Between 2020 and 2022 an average of 12 to 13 islanders died from the disease each year.
Ms Halliday said: "While not all breast cancers can be prevented, reducing modifiable risk factors and identifying changes early can improve outcomes and save lives."
Public Health has directed islanders to several resources for advice and information on how to check their breasts and what changes to look for, including Breast Cancer Now, Pink Ladies Guernsey, Macmillan Cancer Support, and Cancer Research UK.
Q&A
Q: How much does one alcoholic drink per day increase breast cancer risk?
A: Research shows that even one alcoholic drink per day can increase breast cancer risk by around 7 to 10 per cent, with the risk rising as alcohol consumption increases.
Q: What warning signs should people look for when checking their breasts?
A: Warning signs include changes in skin texture, lumps or thickening, nipple discharge, nipple inversion or change in nipple direction, swelling in the armpit or around the collar bone, sudden change in size or shape, constant or unusual pain, or an unusual appearance to the nipple or skin.
Q: How common is breast cancer on the island?
A: Breast cancer is the third most common cancer on the island after skin cancer and prostate cancer. Between 2020 and 2022, an average of 12 to 13 islanders died from the disease each year.
Comments ()