In A Covid-19 World, Checking Your Breasts Is Just As Important As Ever
October has (somehow) rolled back around already, which means that it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. As some of our readers may know, every year, we talk about the importance of checking your breasts, and this year is no different. 2020 has brought its own set of challenges for everyone in every industry, and now we’re in a position where we’re all trying to pick up the pieces whilst avoiding a second wave and further national lockdown, and just try and salvage what we can of what’s turned out to be a real fustercluck of a year.
For the NHS (thank you, we love you!) and across the entire healthcare sector, there have been huge delays for everything from routine check-ups to referrals and life-saving treatment, and breast screenings have been no exception. During the UK lockdown, it was reported that approximately 986,000 people missed a breast cancer screening – that means that thousands of those could now be living with undetected cancer, as a result of delayed diagnoses. As lockdown set in and COVID-19 gripped the nation, an exhausted and overwhelmed NHS made the decision to pause clinics and screenings – mammograms included – to maximise the number of available resources. According to Breast Cancer Now, someone is diagnosed with breast cancer every ten minutes. Based on that information, and the sheer number of people who have missed their screenings is extremely concerning. Now, as some clinics reopen and less resources are urgently required, the NHS and the government are under pressure to set the wheels in motion to effectively make up for the missed appointments, and kickstart support and next steps for those who have been diagnosed during and since the height of the pandemic.
Coronavirus has served as a widely unwelcome distraction to a lot of things going on this year, and whilst we may feel like we’ve been hyperaware of our health, you may notice that even the awareness of our health has been primarily focused on the emergence of coughs, fevers, and other COVID-19 symptoms. Therefore, we urge all those called for a screening during the pandemic and since the easing of lockdown to rebook as soon as possible, and those who may not yet be due a scan, remain vigilant and take note of any changes during regular self assessments. If you notice anything unusual, book an appointment to see your GP and discuss it further.
In the midst of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, today also marks Secondary Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Secondary breast cancer is when cancer cells from the breast spread to other parts of the body. Whilst secondary breast cancer can be treated and managed, it isn’t curable. There are an estimated 35,000 people living with secondary breast cancer here in the UK, and tragically, in 5% of women, breast cancer has already spread elsewhere by the time they receive a diagnosis (all the more reason to waste no time in getting to a GP if something’s up!). Treatments are improving, and people are living longer after a secondary breast cancer diagnosis, but more needs to be done to improve the overall process of diagnosis, treatment and support. Having access to a Clinical Nurse Specialist (or CNS for short) can make a massive difference for those living with the disease and their care experience. Breast Cancer Now is calling for the UK Government to provide the much-needed additional funding in its upcoming Comprehensive Spending Review in order to hire and train more clinical nurse specialists to ensure that everyone who is living with breast cancer (including secondary breast cancer) has access to support from a CNS.
Breast Cancer Now also run a Living with Secondary Breast Cancer online programme where people have access to specialist information, as well as sharing experiences in small virtual sessions that offer a safe and confidential space for those living with secondary breast cancer to talk to each other.
Manveet Basra, Head of Public Health and Wellbeing at Breast Cancer Now, said: “Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing new or unusual changes, so it’s really important to continue to check your breasts regularly and know that you can and should get in touch with your doctor if you find anything different or new, and that this remains the case during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most breast changes won’t be cancer, it’s crucial to get them checked out as the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more likely treatment is to be successful.
“For anyone waiting to attend routine breast screening, there is currently a significant backlog following the NHS breast screening programme being paused for several months, due to COVID-19. Also, availability of appointments is now significantly reduced due to safety measures in place to prevent COVID-19 spreading. So while women between the ages of 50 and 70 who were due to attend at any point since March should receive another invitation, it may take some time. It’s important for women to remain breast aware and also to remember to check their breasts in between mammograms as well.
“Checking your breasts only takes a few minutes. It could be when you get dressed, when you’re showering or putting on moisturiser. Just remember to check the whole breast and the surrounding area, including the upper chest and armpits. There's no special way, it’s as simple as TLC; Touch, Look, Check. Many women may know that a lump can be a possible symptom of breast cancer, but it’s vital to know that there are other signs of the disease to be aware of too. This could be nipple discharge or dimpling or puckering of the skin of the breast.
“If you’re worried about a possible symptom of breast cancer, please don’t wait to report it. Anyone concerned can also call our free Helpline on 0808 800 6000 – if you need someone to talk to, our expert nurses are just at the end of the phone.”
The majority of our readers will find themselves not yet anywhere near the age where they’re invited every three years for a screening, but that doesn’t mean that making time to check for any changes in your breasts on a regular basis isn’t of the highest importance. You can find out what to look for and more information from our other Breast Cancer Awareness Month articles here:
8 Signs And Symptoms To Look Out For That Could Be A Sign Of Breast Cancer
8 Ways You Can Support A Friend Or Family Member Through Breast Cancer
This Award-Winning App Is Helping People With Breast Cancer Return To Normal Life Again
These Amazing Women Have Learnt To Love Their Post-Mastectomy Bodies
Check your boobs, call your GP, book your screening, and stay safe.
Photo credit: Jan Kopriva
