Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, affecting around one in seven women in their lifetime....CONTINUE READING
The NHS says that most women diagnosed tend to be over 50 but that younger females — and even men— can also get it. Sarah Ferguson on Sunday revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in an effort to raise awareness about the disease.
The Duchess of York said she had undergone a single mastectomy after discovering she had an early form of the illness during a routine mammogram.
She reportedly left the King Edward VII Hospital in Marylebone, central London — which has treated the royal family for decades — on Sunday. She is said to be recovering with her family at Windsor.
Ms Ferguson, 63, has since urged listeners of her podcast to go for screening—and vowed she will get “super fit” again when she is fully recovered from the surgery.
Speaking on an episode of her podcast recorded the day before her operation, she said her diagnosis was “a real gift to me to change my life”.
“I am telling people out there because I want every single person that is listening to this podcast to go and get checked, go and get screened, go do it,” she said.
She added that she would “stop trying to fix everyone else” and start “taking myself seriously”.
Ms Ferguson also spoke about her love of play and a “sense of adventure with nature”.
“Now is my chance, and this extraordinary position I’m in right now, it means there’s no choice,” the duchess said.
“I can’t make another excuse. I have to go through this operation and I have to be well and strong.
“And therefore no choice is the best choice.”
Here is everything you need to know about breast cancer.
The NHS says that there can be minimal signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on what is normal for your own breasts.
Typically, the first noticeable sign is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Experts say that most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by a doctor.
You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:
Experts do not know the exact causes of breast cancer because they differ from person to person. This makes it difficult to say why one woman may develop breast cancer and another may not.
What doctors do know is that the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age. That’s why over-50s in the UK are regularly invited for mammograms.
All women who are between 50 and 70 should be screened for breast cancer every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
There is also a heightened chance of catching breast cancer if you have a family history.
There are also genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 which can increase your risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. It’s possible for these genes to be passed on from a parent to their child.
Genetic tests can be carried out on the NHS to find out your likelihood of contracting the disease if you have a family history.
There are other factors which may increase your risk. These are:
Hormonal factors:
Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which can occur due to early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, may increase the risk. Additionally, women who have never been pregnant or had their first pregnancy after the age of 30 may have a higher risk.
Personal history of breast conditions:
Some benign breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), can increase the risk.
Previous radiation therapy:
Undergoing radiation therapy for the chest area, particularly during adolescence or early adulthood, can increase the risk later in life.
Lifestyle factors:
Certain lifestyle choices may contribute to the risk of breast cancer, including excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Survival after diagnosis depends on many different factors. These include:
Cancer Research UK says
that survival rates are “generally good, particularly if you are diagnosed early”. This is due to screening programmes, early diagnosis and improved treatment options in the UK.
Cancer Research UK has survival statistics are available for each stage of breast cancer in England. The following figures are for women diagnosed between 2016 and 2020:
Stage 1
Most women (almost 100 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 2
Ninety out of 100 women (90 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 3
More than 70 out of 100 women (more than 70 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 4
More than 25 out of 100 women (more than 25 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after they are diagnosed. The cancer is not curable at this point, but can be controlled with treatment for some years.
The NHS says it is “vital” that women of all ages check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP. There is no right or wrong way to check, but it is important to know what your “normal” is, so you will notice any changes.
NHS guidance explains the best way to start:
It reads: “Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
“You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised…CONTINUE READING>>
