...is most common in women.

Around 1 in 8 will develop breast cancer.

You know how your breasts should look and feel, so check they're normal throughout each month.

The symptoms

If you spot one or more of these, see your GP right away:

• A change in the size, shape or feel of your breasts.
• A new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit.
• Dimpling or redness of the skin.
• A change in the position of the nipple, or nipple discharge.

Diagnosis

Something might show up after routine breast screening, or you might spot a symptom. In either case, your GP might send you for a further test such as a:

• Mammogram: an X-ray of the breast.
• Breast ultrasound: which uses high-frequency waves to look inside your breast.
• Biopsy: which involves taking some cells from your breast for testing.

Treatments

Treatment depends on how far along the cancer is. Your GP will explain the options, or you can visit the NHS website for more information. Treatment might include:

• Surgery: to remove the cancer.
• Radiotherapy: which uses pulses of radiation to destroy cancerous cells.
• Chemotherapy: powerful, cancer-killing medication.
• Hormone therapy: lowers levels of hormones in your body to slow the growth of cancer.
• Biological therapy: uses natural substances found in your body to fight cancer.

Screening

The NHS offers free breast screening for all women aged 50+. This picks up cancers you can't see or feel – so get in touch when you receive a letter about it.