Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2020

Breast cancer is a common concern in many women over the age of 50, with many men not realising that it can affect them too. Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in the UK. With around 1 in 7 women developing breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast Cancer Awareness

So why is breast cancer awareness so important? Breast cancer can affect people of any age, however, it is more common over 50. So whether you are working with those in a home, or you have a loved one in a home, it is important to know the signs. Early diagnosis helps to reduce the risk of mortality, which currently sits at 11,500 women and 85 men in the UK every year.
For those living with dementia, it is all the more important that we support them with regular checks to ensure that it is not going undiscovered unnecessarily.

What to look out for

There are a number of symptoms of breast cancer that we are aware of. However, any changes in the breast tissue should be noted, and if there is a concern, speak to your primary care practitioner as soon as possible. Remember the earlier a diagnosis, the less risk in the long run.
Common signs to look out for include:

• A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest or armpit. You might feel the lump, but not see it.
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• A change in skin texture i.e. puckering or dimpling of the skin
• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed
• Rash, crusting or changes to the nipple
• Any unusual discharge from either nipple

Please remember this is not an exhaustive list.

Risk Factors

There are a number of risk factors that we cannot control. The likes of genetics, gender, age are all factors that fall into this bracket. However, there are a number of things we can consider to reduce the risk. The main risk factor for many types of cancer, breast cancer at the top, is obesity. Bringing your weight down to a healthy weight can greatly reduce the risk. Other factors include; alcohol, reducing your intake can bring down your risk, additional hormones, this can be the contraceptive pill (we know this is unlikely in a home setting) and Hormone replacement therapy.

Post Cancer Comforts

Treatment for breast cancer is uncomfortable at any age, but for those advancing in years, or living with dementia, it becomes increasingly uncomfortable. That’s why we need to make their living environment as suitable as possible.
Here at Hill & Hill we aim to have the right furniture to suit all needs. So whether they need a chair that supports their back post surgery, or some cushions to offer some comfort, we have something to help ease the recovery.

If there is something you have in mind, or some particular needs that need catering for, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to support you in any way we can, and we’re sure to have something that’s right for you. For further information on breast cancer, please speak to a GP or visit the Macmillan Breast Cancer page.