{"id":2857,"date":"2021-10-08T11:39:31","date_gmt":"2021-10-08T10:39:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2857"},"modified":"2023-03-24T09:04:59","modified_gmt":"2023-03-24T09:04:59","slug":"breast-cancer-awareness-for-sex-workers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/breast-cancer-awareness-for-sex-workers\/","title":{"rendered":"Breast cancer awareness: Why you should know your breasts"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you know your breasts and check them regularly?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recently, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thetimes.co.uk\/article\/lockdowns-left-12-000-women-with-undiagnosed-breast-cancer-v2dr7gh59\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Times<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> reported that nearly 12,000 UK women were living with undiagnosed breast cancer during lockdown at the end of May this year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Research and care charity <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/breastcancernow.org\/about-us\/media\/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer Now<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also states that <\/span><b>47% of UK women fail to check their breasts regularly <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for potential signs of breast cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#sexworkandhealthcare\">Sex work and health care<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#whatisbreastcancer?\">What is breast cancer?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#howcommonisbreastcancer\">How common is breast cancer?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#howtocheckforbreastcancer\">How to check for breast cancer<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#breastcancersymptoms\">Breast cancer symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#breastlumps\">Breast lumps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#isbreastcanerpainful?\">Is breast cancer painful?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#breastcancertreatment\">Breast cancer treatment<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#breastcancersupportorganisations\">Breast cancer support organisations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#getbreastcancersupporttoday\">Get breast cancer support today<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Meanwhile, a YouGov study revealed that <\/span><b>1 in 10 women have never checked their breasts for any abnormalities<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a concerning fact considering the majority of cases are detected by women spotting unusual changes in their breasts.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalbreastcancer.org\/breast-cancer-awareness-month\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer Awareness Month<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, Vivastreet wants to help raise awareness on the importance of becoming familiar with your breasts and frequently checking them, specifically for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/escort\/gb\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sex workers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2859 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month.png\" alt=\"Woman pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness month\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-awareness-month-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"sexworkandhealthcare\"><b>Sex work and health care<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There have been ongoing debates regarding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/navigating-stigma-and-discrimination\/\">sex work stigma and discrimination<\/a> in the health care system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This often discourages sex workers from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/resources-for-sex-workers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seeking advice or care from health professionals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as well as following through with treatment to assist health issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As well as dealing with this type of stigma, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/transgender-why-language-matters\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">transgender<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and ethnic minority sex workers also undergo racial and gender discrimination, impeding their access to quality health care even more.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A recent example has seen sex work organisation, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nswp.org\/sites\/nswp.org\/files\/bp_sws_access_to_comp_srh_-_nswp_2018.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NSWP<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shine light on transgender sex workers misusing hormone therapy without proper medical supervision, putting themselves at risk of serious side effects like breast cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><section id=\"custom_html-7\" class=\"widget_text widget widget_custom_html amr_widget\"><div class=\"textwidget custom-html-widget\"><div class=\"internal_widget_between_content\">\r\n\t<div class=\"widget_header\">\r\n\t\t<h3>Are you a sex worker looking to generate more business?<\/h3>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"widget_body\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"widget_left_container\">\r\n\t\t\t<div class=\"widget_image b2b\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"widget_right_container\">\r\n\t\t\t<h3>Advertise on Vivastreet or upgrade your ad, and take your escort business to the next level. <\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t<p>Guarantee business is only a few clicks away. Don't miss out.<\/p>\r\n\t\t\t<a class=\"widget_btn_orange\" href=\"https:\/\/post.vivastreet.co.uk\/?cat=adult_services&utm_source=blog&utm_medium=widget&utm_campaign=blog_widget_b2b\">Make money today<\/a>\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/div><\/section><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"\"><b>What is breast cancer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Breast cancer is a type of cancer that is found and starts in the breast tissue. It occurs when cells in the breasts begin to grow uncontrollably.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cells in the breasts usually form a tumour, which can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cancer can start from different parts of the breasts, which is made up of three parts:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lobules: Glands that produce milk\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ducts: Small tubes that carry milk to the nipple<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Connective tissues: Fibrous and fatty tissues that surround and holds everything in place<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/breast-cancer\/about\/what-is-breast-cancer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American Cancer Society<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says that in most cases, the ducts are where breast cancer begins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is possible for breast cancer to spread outside the breast and other parts of the body.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Women mainly get breast cancer, although in rare cases, men can get it too.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howcommonisbreastcancer?\"><b>How common is breast cancer?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the UK, breast cancer is the most common form of cancer. It\u2019s also the<\/span><b> most common type of cancer in women<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/breastcancernow.org\/about-us\/media\/facts-statistics\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer Now<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2021 statistics, approximately <\/span><b>55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Also, <\/span><b>1 in 7 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although younger women can get breast cancer, <\/span><b>most women who are diagnosed are over the age of 50<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, making up 8 out of 10 cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s<\/span><b> important for women of all ages to check their breasts regularly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for any changes and have them examined by their GP.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2864 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Women wearing pink for breast cancer\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/how-common-is-breast-cancer-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"howtocheckforbreastcancer\"><b>How to check for breast cancer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Along with other breast screening methods, breast self-exams are important for helping early detection of breast cancer, potentially increasing chances of survival.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Johns Hopkins Medicine<\/span><\/a><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, \u201cForty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It should be a part of your breast screening strategy and is a convenient and free health check that should be performed regularly.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many breast cancer organisations are in agreement with the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalbreastcancer.org\/breast-self-exam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Breast Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u2019s recommendations that you <\/span><b>check your breasts at least once a month<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Although there\u2019s no right or wrong way to check your breasts, here\u2019s some guidance on how to do a breast self-exam 5 easy steps:<\/strong><b><\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the mirror, visually examine your breasts with your shoulders straight and arms by your side to see if you can spot any changes, such as a difference in your breast shape (more information on breast changes can be found below).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After, raise your arms and repeat Step 1. Also, look to see if you can see any fluids oozing from your breasts (e.g., watery, bloody, etc.).<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, repeat Step 1 with your hands on your hips.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, while standing or sitting, use the tops of your first few fingers to press down on your breasts while keeping your fingers flat and together (you can do this with massage oil or shower gel). Use light but firm pressure while incorporating up-and-down and small circular motions. You should use the right hand to feel your left breast and vice versa. Make sure you cover all areas of your breast &#8211; from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen and from your armpit to your cleavage. Many women find this easier when doing this in the shower while their skin is wet and slippery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finally, lay down on your back and feel your breasts, repeating movements described in Step 4.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2863 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Breast self examination diagram\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2560\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-200x200.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-2048x2048.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-self-examination-600x600.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<h3><b>Breast changes\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast changes are changes in how your breasts or nipples look or feel to the norm.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a better understanding of breast changes, it\u2019s important to understand what breasts and the lymphatic system are made of. You can find more information about this from the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.gov\/types\/breast\/breast-changes\/understanding-breast-changes.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Cancer Institute<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"breastcancersymptoms\"><strong>Breast cancer symptoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the NHS and other breast cancer organisations, here are the most common breast cancer symptoms and breast changes to look out for:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A change in the size, outline or shape of your breasts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A new lump, swelling, thick, or bumpy area in or near your breast or underarm<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A change in the look or feel of the skin on your breasts, such as puckers, dimples, redness, scaling, itching or rash\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A fluid or discharge from your nipple that is not breast milk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A change in the position of your nipples, such as pointing inward or in a different direction<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any discomfort or pain in your breast, particularly if it\u2019s new pain and does not go away (more information on pain can be found below)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Please note that <\/span><b>the above symptoms do not mean you have breast cancer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but can be a sign.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find something abnormal with your breasts or you are concerned, get it checked out by your GP as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is considered best practice to rule it out for your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/sex-work-and-mental-health-support\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mental wellbeing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and if breast cancer is detected, to get treatment as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"breastlumps\"><b>Breast lumps<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you find a lump in your breast, try not to panic. Most women have lumpy areas in their breasts and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/breast-lump\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">most lumps are harmless<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, although some can be serious.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cancer lumps can vary in size and should be 1cm in size before you can feel them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many causes for lumps in breasts that are non-cancerous, with the most common being:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/breastcancernow.org\/information-support\/have-i-got-breast-cancer\/benign-breast-conditions\/fibroadenoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fibroadenoma<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 a lump that often develops during puberty, but which can occur at any age<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/breastcancernow.org\/information-support\/have-i-got-breast-cancer\/breast-pain-other-benign-conditions\/breast-cysts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast cyst<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2013 a sac build-up of fluid that tends to develop as the breasts change with age. This is more common in pre-menopausal women<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can find more information on the causes of breast lumps <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicalnewstoday.com\/articles\/186084\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">here<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancerous breast lumps have been described as often feeling rigid with angular edges and do not move around in the breast when you feel it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there are other symptoms (mentioned above) along with having a breast lump, get it checked out by your GP as soon as possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Beware that not all breast cancer forms lumps, so it\u2019s important to check for other symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also contact your GP if you find a lump in your breast that is abnormal or you are generally concerned.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2860 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps.png\" alt=\"Woman checking for breast lumps\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-lumps-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>Causes of breast cancer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like most types of cancer, breast cancer occurs when DNA is damaged and replicated from one cell to another.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s tricky to pinpoint exactly what causes breast cancer, but there are risk factors that contribute to the development of the disease, which you can help prevent. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here are some things that can increase your risk of breast cancer below:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not exercising regularly or having a sedentary lifestyle <\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bad eating habits, such as consuming a diet with too many saturated fats and not enough vegetables<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive alcohol consumption\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Undergoing frequent radiation therapy, especially under 30 years of age\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Taking combined Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which can also increase the risk of breast cancer taking longer to\u00a0 be detected<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, <strong>between 60% and 70% of people who develop breast cancer have none of these risk factors, while people with them may never have the disease<\/strong>. In other words, even if you take all possible actions to prevent developing breast cancer, there are some factors that can\u2019t be controlled, such as:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Gender:<\/strong> The majority of people who are affected by breast cancer are women. However, it&#8217;s possible for men to develop the disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Age:<\/strong> Approximately 80% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50. But it can occur in younger women as well<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Race:<\/strong> Breast cancer is more often diagnosed in Caucasian women<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Genetic factors:<\/strong> People who have had cases of breast cancer in their immediate family have a higher risk of developing the disease. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you can take a genetic test to identify mutations in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 which are related to breast cancer<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Personal health history:<\/strong> Those who have had cancer in one breast previously indicates a higher risk of developing the disease again in the other breast. Additionally, having had your menstruation before the age of 12, entering menopause after the age of 55, never having kids or having kids at an older age also increases the risk<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Dense breast tissue:<\/strong> This condition makes lumps harder to detect, but also increases your risk. Ask your doctor to check for this condition during a mammogram<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><strong>Obesity:<\/strong> Although obesity is not a sign of an unhealthy lifestyle, it can increase your risk for breast cancer. For women who have gone through menopause and are obese, the risk is even higher<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why it\u2019s important to check your breasts regularly and stay alert to symptoms of breast cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"isbreastcancerpainful?\"><b>Is breast cancer painful?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationalbreastcancer.org\/breast-pain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Breast Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> says that breast pain is not commonly a symptom or sign of breast cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any discomfort, pain or tenderness in the brass or underarm can occur for various reasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, it is possible for breast cancer to cause changes in skin cells that can lead to feelings of tenderness and pain, although it is rare.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"breastcancertreatment\"><b>Breast cancer treatment<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have breast cancer, there are various treatment methods you can try to help regain your health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As explained on the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/breast-cancer\/treatment\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> site, the main treatments for breast cancer are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radiotherapy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chemotherapy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hormone therapy<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Targeted therapy\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The type of treatment you will have depends on various factors, such as the stage and grade of breast cancer, your general health, and whether you\u2019ve experienced menopause.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also have one of these above treatments or a combination.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-2861 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/vivastreetuk.wpengine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment.png\" alt=\"Doctor adjusts Mammogram Machine for topless woman for breast cancer prevention screening\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment.png 1080w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/breast-cancer-treatment-600x338.png 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"breastcancersupportorganisations\"><b>Breast cancer support organisations<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As well as your GP, there are plenty of organisations you can go to for guidance and support regarding concerns about your breasts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether it be online support our research resources, below are some breast cancer organisations you can seek help from:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.macmillan.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Macmillan Cancer Support<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/breastcancernow.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer Now<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancerresearchuk.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cancer Research UK<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.breastcanceruk.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer UK<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.breastcancerhaven.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast Cancer Haven<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinkribbonfoundation.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pink Ribbon Foundation<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/keepingabreast.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping Abreast<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Get breast cancer support today<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As breast cancer is common in women, remember to regularly perform breast self-examinations, as advised by medical practitioners, to help detect it early should you have it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With plenty of information online, we recommend reading about breast cancer to help better understand the disease and get guidance on how to spot the signs and what to do if you notice any abnormalities.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>If you have any concerns about your breasts, get in contact with your GP as soon as possible<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know your breasts and check them regularly? Recently, The Times reported that nearly 12,000 UK women were living with undiagnosed breast cancer during lockdown at the end of May this year. Research and care charity Breast Cancer Now also states that 47% of UK women fail to check their breasts regularly for potential [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2865,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":true,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"CBBTypography":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[217,220],"tags":[],"yst_prominent_words":[],"class_list":["post-2857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-for-sex-workers","category-well-being"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2857"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2857\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2865"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2857"},{"taxonomy":"yst_prominent_words","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vivastreet.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/yst_prominent_words?post=2857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}