The Trust is also urging people to attend their breast screening appointments, which helps to spot potential issues early by using an X-ray test, called a mammogram, which can spot cancers when they’re too small to see and feel.
Hospital Governor and Bassetlaw District Councillor Sue Shaw, said: “I am supporting the Trust in raising awareness of Breast Cancer Awareness month to highlight the importance for women and men to check their breasts regularly and know the signs and symptoms to look out for. If you receive an appointment to attend for a mammogram, don’t put it off, breast screening saves lives.”
During the month of October more than 5,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, which is one of the most common cancers in the world. Each year in the UK alone there are more than 55,000 new cases and the disease claims the lives of 11,500 women. Both men and women are affected by breast cancer and should know how their breast tissue normally looks and feels and what changes to look out. Signs and symptoms could include, but is by no means a complete list, discharge from either of your nipples; a lump or swelling in either of your armpits; dimpling on the skin of your breasts; a rash on or around your nipple; a change in the appearance of your nipple.
Doncaster and Bassetlaw Teaching Hospitals manage the promotion of Breast Cancer Screening across South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw. Women aged 50 to 70 in this area are offered a routine mammograms every three years. If you live in the Doncaster area you will be invited to the Cameo Centre at Chequer Road Clinic and if you live in Bassetlaw you will offered an appointment at the Diana, Princess of Wales Unit at Bassetlaw Hospital.
Chris Bosworth, Breast Screening Programme Manager at the Trust, said: “October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, a time to remind women of our National Breast Screening Programme. Breast Screening is important for early breast cancer detection; enabling early diagnosis and improving the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Mammograms are able to pick up breast cancer at an early stage, before a person can feel any symptoms. As one in eight women in the UK will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, please prioritise your health and come to your screening appointments.”
For more information on signs and symptoms, visit: https://www.breastcancercare.org.uk