The 7 SURPRISING breast cancer signs – as NHS IT glitch means 450,000 women missed scans
Women in their 20s should begin to regularly check their breasts for signs of the disease, including dimples, a rash and nipple discharge, say experts
HUNDREDS of women may have died after an NHS computer glitch meant 450,000 women were not invited to vital breast cancer screenings.
Breast cancer is the second most common cause of death for British women - and the threat is rising.
Women who missed their mammograms have begun an agonising six-month wait to find out if they have breast cancer after a "colossal" NHS error.
Health bosses are trying to contact 309,000 women who missed screening scans because of computer failings dating back almost a decade.
The deadly mistake was flagged by NHS bosses last year, but Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt revealed the "administrative incompetency" to Parliament yesterday.
Women are advised to check their breasts each month for signs of cancer - but now experts have urged women to start making those regular checks in their 20s.
Mr Kislaya Thakur, an expert at BMI The Blackheath Hospital in South London, said: "The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump usually found by patients themselves.
"However other symptoms can indicate breast cancer.
"These include blood stained nipple discharge, nipple inversion or flattening, dimpling or tethering - including an orange-peel appearance - of the skin over the breast, lumps in the armpit or neck, or any redness which may suggest inflammation or persistent pain."
While awareness is vital, Mr Thakur said it is important women put this knowledge into practice.
Breast cancer, while more common in women over the age of 50, does affect younger girls too.
Around 20 per cent of cases occur in women under the age of 50 - and it is never too young to learn more about what to look out for.
Women should start becoming breast aware from the age of around 25. About once a month especially a few days after periods are over, when the breasts are less lumpy and, or tender is the best time to check
Mr Kislaya Thakur
Mr Thakur said: "Women should start becoming breast aware from the age of around 25.
"About once a month especially a few days after periods are over, when the breasts are less lumpy and, or tender is the best time to check.
"I’d encourage women to make a habit of this. It enables women to pick up changes in their breasts early and seek specialist advice if needed.”
BUT... WHAT SHOULD WE BE LOOKING OUT FOR?
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the leading charity Breast Cancer Care has reinforced the message - be aware of changes to your breasts.
One in three women fail to regularly check, and a fifth of these women say it is because they don't know how to do it.
Here we reveal the seven signs and symptoms you might not realise mean you could have breast cancer.
1. Change in breast size or shape
Breasts come in all shapes and sizes - and can look and feel different throughout a woman's life.
Carolyn Rogers, senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, told The Sun Online: "They may change at the time of your period, when going through pregnancy as your body ages.
"By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.”
2. Redness or a rash
It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash, on the skin and around the nipple.
A rash in this area could just be triggered by new washing powder, or a lacy bra irritating the skin.
"But, if it's an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of something more serious," Carolyn warned.
3. Nipple discharge
If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.
"We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one," said Carolyn.
"But, if it's not normal for you, then mention it to your GP."
4. Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer.
But, they don't always appear in the breast.
"Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas," explained Carolyn.
As a result, when checking your boobs each month it is important to be thorough and check all around the breast and surrounding area.
5. Change in skin texture
From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple - changes in the skin's appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.
For example, if it looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.
A recent survey by the charity found one in six women had no idea this could be a sign of the disease.
6. An inverted nipple
Some people naturally have inverted nipples - which is absolutely fine.
But, everyone's breasts are different.
"If you nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes it's shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign," explained Carolyn.
MORE ON BREAST CANCER
7. Constant pain
A dull ache that won't go away in the breast or armpit, is a warning sign for breast cancer.
However, it can be difficult to identify.
"Having pain in the breast area is really common," said Carolyn.
"It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra."
But, if the pain doesn't disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.
For more information visit Breast Cancer Care.