Early diagnosis is the key to beating breast cancer, so do those checks.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the UK. It accounts for one in three of all cancers in women and over 40,000 women are diagnosed with the disease each year in the UK, as well as 300 men.

But there’s good news, too. More people than ever are now surviving thanks to better treatment, screening and awareness.

Give your breasts a little TLC
A survey by Breakthrough Breast Cancer, has revealed that only 35% of women check their breasts regularly for crucial cancer signs. And even among those who consider themselves breast aware and regularly check for new and unusual lumps, many remain unaware of the full range of signs and symptoms to look out for. That’s why Breakthrough strongly recommends that all women show their breasts some serious TLC. Here’s what to do and what to look out for:

• Get to know your breasts by touch. Feel for anything unusual.
• Look for changes. Be aware of their shape and texture.
• Check anything unusual with your GP immediately.

Being breast-aware simply means being familiar with how your breasts look and feel so you’re in a position to notice changes and can report anything unusual to your doctor.

You can do this by looking at and feeling them in any way that makes you feel comfortable – in the bath or shower, while you’re dressing in the morning, standing in front of a mirror or even lying down.

If you discover anything unusual or you’re worried, talk to your GP. If cancer is diagnosed, prompt treatment can offer the best chance of a successful outcome. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just lumps you need to look out for.

 There are other, less well-known signs, too. Keep an eye out for:

• Size or shape – if one breast suddenly becomes larger or lower than the other.
• Changes in skin texture – such as puckering or dimpling of the skin.
• Appearance or direction of nipple – one nipple might become inverted.
• Discharge – one or both nipples discharging a blood-stained liquid.
• A rash or crusting of the nipple or the surrounding area.
• Pain in part of the breast or armpit that is unrelated to periods.
• Lump in the breast or armpit.
• Lumpy area or unusual thickening of breast tissue that doesn’t go away after your period.

Celebrity survivors…
They’ve battled the disease and are spreading the message of awareness

Kylie Minogue
Diagnosed with the disease in May 2005, at the age of 36, Kylie had to undergo surgery, then chemotherapy and subsequent hair loss before her triumphant return to the public eye in November 2006 with her Showgirl comeback tour.

Christina Applegate
The star of The Sweetest Thing and Anchorman was diagnosed in 2008, aged 36, and made the decision to undergo purely preventive surgery that required a double mastectomy last August. The actress, whose mother has also had breast cancer, discovered she has the BRCA1 gene mutation, which makes breast and ovarian cancer more likely, and felt that having her breasts removed was, in fact, ‘the most logical’ solution.

Cynthia Nixon
Best known as Miranda in Sex And The City, Cynthia was diagnosed in 2006, aged 40, and had a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. ‘As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor, knowing my personal risk made me more aware and more empowered when I faced my diagnosis,’ says Cynthia who is an ambassador for an US breast cancer charity.

Photographs: getty images, pa photos