Breast Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

Know Your Breasts

One of the most important things you can do is become familiar with what is normal for your body.

Breast cancer doesn't always present as a lump. While lumps are often highlighted in awareness campaigns, there are several other changes to watch for:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
• Changes in breast shape or size
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin (This was evident for me)
• Redness, rash or changes to the skin texture
• Changes to the nipple, including inversion
• Unusual nipple discharge
• Persistent breast or armpit pain

If you notice anything unusual, arrange an appointment with your GP. Most breast changes are not cancer, but it is always important to get them checked.  

When I was diagnosed, I had no obvious symptoms at first. Because my sister had sadly passed away from breast cancer at just 33 years old, I was offered annual mammograms as part of my monitoring.

At the time, I was incredibly busy with work and missed one of my routine appointments. Around a week later, I developed overwhelming fatigue, far beyond normal tiredness. I felt so exhausted that I had to take a couple of days off work and visit my GP. He arranged for blood tests, but carelessly, I never got around to attending those appointments either.

Shortly afterwards, I received another appointment for my mammogram. That scan detected a large tumour that wasn't visible from the outside and had gone completely unnoticed by me.

It was only after my diagnosis that I became aware of a subtle change in my breast. When standing in a certain position, I could see a slight puckering of the skin, something I had never noticed before and would not notice without looking for it.

Looking back, it was a powerful reminder that breast cancer does not always present with obvious symptoms. In my case, if I had relied solely on what I could see or feel, the cancer may have remained undetected for much longer. The mammogram quite literally saved my life.

Breast Pain a Sign of Cancer?

Many women worry when they experience breast pain.

According to NHS guidance, breast pain on its own is rarely a symptom of breast cancer. Hormonal changes, muscle strain and other benign conditions are far more common causes.

However, if breast pain is persistent, localised or accompanied by other symptoms, it is worth seeking medical advice.

What Counts as Breast Tissue?

Many people are surprised to learn that breast tissue extends beyond the breast itself.

Breast tissue reaches into the upper chest and extends into the armpit area. This is why it is important to check the entire breast area, including the underarm region, during self-examinations.

Busting Common Breast Cancer Myths

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding breast cancer.

Here are two common myths:

Myth: Using antiperspirant increases your risk of breast cancer.
Fact: Research has found no reliable evidence to support this claim.

Myth: Wearing an underwired bra causes breast cancer.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence linking underwired bras to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Understanding the Risk Factors

While anyone can develop breast cancer, certain factors can increase risk:

Family History and Genetics

Inherited gene mutations, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase breast cancer risk. If several family members have been affected by breast or ovarian cancer, as is the case with my family,  speak to your GP about genetic assessment. There is much more to my story than I can cover in a single post, and I'll be sharing insights on the BRCA gene in future articles. If you'd like to follow my journey and receive updates when new posts are published, please join my Readers Club below. I'd love to have you along.

Age

Risk increases as we get older, particularly after menopause.

Alcohol Consumption

Research suggests that regular alcohol consumption can increase breast cancer risk.

Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)

Certain forms of HRT may slightly increase risk while they are being used. The risk usually reduces after treatment stops.

Physical Inactivity

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help reduce risk.

Contraceptive Pills

The combined contraceptive pill slightly increases breast cancer risk while it is being taken, but the risk gradually returns to normal after stopping.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Early detection saves lives.

Research consistently shows that breast cancers diagnosed at an early stage have significantly higher survival rates than cancers diagnosed later.

This is why breast awareness, regular screening and acting promptly when you notice changes are so important.

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women worldwide.

Recent statistics show:

• Around 2.3 million women are diagnosed globally each year.
• Approximately 56,000 women are diagnosed annually in the UK.
• Around 85% of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer survive for five years or more.
• Around 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

While these figures can feel frightening, survival rates continue to improve thanks to earlier diagnosis, better treatments and increased awareness.

My Personal Journey

Breast cancer is more than a statistic to me.

As a BRCA gene carrier, I have experienced the fear, uncertainty and heartbreak that cancer can bring. Alongside my sisters, I faced challenges that changed our lives forever.

Those experiences inspired me to write my memoir, A True Story of Love, Loss and Survival, where I share our family's journey with honesty, hope and resilience.

If there is one message I would like readers to take away, it is this:

Know your body. Trust your instincts. Seek help when something doesn't feel right.

Early action could save your life or the life of someone you love.

With hope,

Jane Kellett
Author | Psychotherapist | Breast Cancer Thriver | Founder of Mission Self Reset