Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Each year, about 55,000 people are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. It is more common in people over 50, but it can also affect younger people.
Whether you’ve been affected by breast cancer or just want to find out more, Macmillan can help.
What is breast cancer?
If you are worried about breast cancer or you have questions about treatments, you are not alone.
In this video, Clinical Oncologist, Bernadette Lavery, talks you through what breast cancer is, the main types, risk factors, stages and common treatments available to you.
Why is it important to be breast aware?
Checking your breasts for any unusual changes can help discover breast cancer early. It’s important to recognise when something’s not right.
If you are transgender or non-binary, read our cancer screening information to learn more about what types of screening are right for you.
If you find changes in your breast that are not normal for you, it's best to see a GP as soon as possible.
In this video, Phil and Nellie share their unique experiences of being diagnosed with breast cancer and discuss some of the common misconceptions around breast cancer.
Everyday life and breast cancer treatment
Adjusting to everyday life during or after treatment can be difficult and take time. Our information and advice is available to help you when you need it.
Breast cancer treatments can have a direct effect on your sex life and ability to have children (fertility). Talk to your doctor or breast care nurse if you have any concerns as there are often things that can help.
Some breast cancer treatments such as hormonal therapy or chemotherapy can cause menopausal symptoms. Your cancer doctor and specialist nurse can explain if the treatment you are having is likely to cause an early menopause.
You may find our blog post about choosing bras after breast surgery helpful.
