A BREAST surgeon in Droitwich is urging women to stay breast aware for National Breast Cancer Awareness month.

With 55,000 people being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, and the disease still being the second biggest cancer killer in the UK, consultant breast surgeon Michelle Mullen is keen to make women more aware of what to look for during a breast check this October.

Ms Mullen, who works at BMI Droitwich Spa Hospital, said: “Breast health is something that can so easily be overlooked but the recent statistics show that with increased awareness and through high-profile media campaigns we can influence the behaviour of women across the UK.

“We need to ensure that every woman knows how to carry out effective self-check procedures and, just as importantly, what to do if she thinks something is wrong.

“It is important to get an early appointment with a GP to discuss any worrying symptoms. The patient will then receive informed advice and, if necessary, be referred to a specialist breast surgeon who can then instigate various investigations such as mammograms and biopsies.

“It should also be remembered that the vast majority of women who do see a specialist do not have breast cancer.”

Ms Mullen said women should look out for any of the following symptoms during their breast check: painless lumps in the breast, changes in the size or shape of a breast, dimpling to the skin of the breast, thickened breast tissue, nipple inversion, lump or thickening behind the nipple, rash affecting the nipple, blood-stained discharge from the nipple, swelling or a new lump in the armpit, or clear nipple discharge coming from one side.

Figures released by Breast Cancer Care UK show that 85 per cent of women survive breast cancer for more than five years, and an estimated 78 per cent survive for 10 years or more.

Ms Mullen added: “We are winning the battle but the fight must go on.”

For more information visit bmihealthcare.co.uk/passthebra.