Breast Cancer Awareness Month - what you need to know right now

Breast cancer support in York and Scarborough

In the UK, there are approximately 55,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed each year. While the 10-year survival rate is a heartening 76 per cent, a diagnosis is nevertheless frightening. At York Against Cancer, we’re committed to providing support, whether you’re simply concerned about symptoms or are undergoing treatment.

Keeping your health in check

Even if you have no symptoms, it’s wise to check your breasts from age 20 and upwards. Breast cancer affects just 4 per cent of those under 39, but it’s healthy to get into a routine and encourage your loved ones to start early.

Performing a self-examination

There’s no need to feel embarrassed or ashamed about checking your breasts. It takes minutes and you can do it in the privacy of your own home. Try to perform a check once a month, perhaps in line with your menstrual cycle, so that you can keep on top of any changes.

Cop a feel!

London-based charity Coppafeel is passionate about encouraging women of all ages to check their breasts. Head to their website, where an automated chatbot will talk you through the self-check process. It takes a few simple steps:

1. Remove any clothing and lie down with a pillow under your right shoulder.
2. Using the pads of your fingers, check one breast at a time (left hand for right breast and vice versa).
3. Use light, medium and firm pressure without lifting fingers off the skin. Follow an up and down pattern, and note any changes like a lump or swelling.
4. Don’t forget your collarbone and armpit.

Remember– it’s not always a lump

Changes in your breasts are not limited to lumps or even pain. You may notice skin dimpling, an inverted or ‘sunken’ nipple, discharge from the nipple, or a rash around the area. If you have any of these, or even unexplained pain, you should always contact your doctor.

What to do if you are anxious 

Make an appointment to see your GP, who will perform an examination. Up to 8 out of 10 lumps are not cancer – they may be a cyst or other non-malignant lump such as a fibroadenoma.

If the doctor suspects cancer

If there’s any doubt, your doctor will refer you to the breast clinic. The York Hospital breast cancer unit provides support for patients in York, Scarborough, Bridlington, Malton, Whitby, Selby and Easingwold.

Built in 1998 with funding from York Against Cancer, the York Cancer Care Centre is next to the breast imaging unit (within the Magnolia Centre), accessible from Junction 5 opposite the multi-storey car park.

What happens at York’s breast cancer clinic?

Your visit will likely have many tests on the same day, including:

• A standard breast examination
• A mammogram (breast X-ray) or ultrasound (usually for women under 35)
• A biopsy or fine needle aspiration, where cells are extracted from the site of a lump.

You should all get your results on the same day apart from the biopsy, which can take up to a week.

What happens if I am diagnosed with breast cancer?

If doctors detect cancerous cells, you’ll need to undergo further testing to determine the stage of the breast cancer. These involve scans and X-rays to check if the cancer has spread, for example:

• A CT scan (similar to an MRI – you are scanned using an X-ray machine), chest X-ray and liver ultrasound
• An MRI to get a better view of the breast’s condition

Doctors may also run tests to see what kind of treatments will work best depending on the extent of the cancer and its appearance under the microscope as well as its biological characteristics. For example, in an early stage diagnosis, hormone treatment may be effective, which can slow the growth of cancer cells. These are known as HER2 tests.

If the cancer is in the breast only, the five-year survival rate is 99 per cent. Encouragingly, 62 per cent of patients are diagnosed at this stage.

Breast cancer stages and treatment

Doctors use a number of different grading systems to assess the stage of a breast cancer diagnosis. TNM staging looks at the spread of the cancer and whether it extends beyond the breast. This will determine the type of treatment offered.

There are also grades for cancer cells. Low grade cells look abnormal and grow slowly, medium grade cells look more abnormal, and high grade cells look abnormal, and will grow quickly.

Treatment of breast cancer

You’ll be offered one or more treatments depending on the stage of your cancer. These are usually surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and biological therapy.

Surgery

Surgery involves removing the cancerous cells from the breast. It is usually followed by radiotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells. Sometimes chemotherapy is offered as well.

You may need a lumpectomy (removal of the lump) or mastectomy, depending on the size of the tumour in relation to the breast and you may be offered reconstruction. Surgery is available at York Hospital.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy usually follows surgery and can be accompanied by chemotherapy. Radiotherapy involves controlled doses of radiation to kill remaining cells. You’ll have this sometime after surgery, when the wound has healed.

Radiotherapy is available at the Bexley Wing of St James’ Hospital in Leeds and goes on for up to to six weeks. We offer a free minibus service for patients in York.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used to shrink large tumours, or to kill remaining cells after surgery. It is administered as a medicine which will vary depending on the stage of cancer. Sessions will take place every two to four weeks, up to a maximum of eight times.

York Against Cancer offers a mobile chemotherapy unit for patients in York, Scarborough, Selby, Malton and Bridlington.

Hormone or targeted therapy

Hormone therapies may be used in certain cases following initial treatment in order to reduce the risk of the disease recurring.

You may need to take hormones for a number of years. These are administered in tablet form.

Other treatments may be offered depending on the biological nature of the tumour and may be given in combination with chemotherapy.

A newer targeted treatment is Herceptin which is usually used in combination with chemotherapy.

York Hospital offers targeted therapy treatments.

What kind of breast cancer support is available in York?

All of these diagnostic tests and treatments can be overwhelming, which is why York Against Cancer is here to help. You’ll find a number of support services at the York Hospital Cancer Care Centre, including:

Psychology and counselling

Emotional support is available for patients and families, as well as referrals to psychology services.

Welfare support

A benefits advisor from the City of York Council visits the centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays to provide guidance on your individual benefit needs.

Complementary therapies

Enjoy up to six free therapy sessions with appointments from Tuesday to Friday. Treatments include aromatherapy, massage, reflexology and Reiki sessions.

Chaplaincy service

Hospital chaplains are happy to provide spiritual guidance regardless of your faith.

Support groups in York

We believe there’s no support like the solidarity of getting through the hard times together. Make new friends and prop each other up with these local support groups.

Macmillan

There are 17 cancer support groups in York, Leeds, Wetherby, Selby and Pontefract, offering information and healthcare advice.

Breast Friends

Breast Friends provides support for breast cancer patients in York and the surrounding areas. Activities include one-to-one meetups, luncheon clubs, evening meetings and larger social events.

Living with Secondary Breast Cancer

York and Scarborough Hospitals have launched meetups for those diagnosed with later stage breast cancer. The York group meets on the third Wednesday of every month, and gives patients the chance to discuss their experiences with others, as well as a guest speaker and trained counsellor.

Talk to us

Wherever you’re at in your journey, York Against Cancer is here to support you. Don’t forget that breast cancer screening is offered to all of those aged between 50 and 70.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer for UK females (and 1 per cent of males), but it’s also one of the most curable. With appropriate self-checks, treatment and support, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t maintain a healthy and comfortable lifestyle.

Please get in touch with us if you’d like more information about breast cancer support.