Singer Jessie J says she will be stepping back from performing for a while after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The star says it has been caught early. Katy Link from Patient Claim Line has shared the signs of breast cancer to look out for.
She said: “There are approximately 55,000 new cases of breast cancer per year, with around 11,500 of those sadly losing their life. As with all cancers, when caught early, breast cancer is highly treatable, which is why early diagnosis is so important.
“For those who are diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, the survival rate is 98%. This figure drops to 25% for those who are diagnosed when their cancer has reached stage 4.”
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Katy said: “The symptom we probably hear most about is a lump in the breast. Any unusual lumps or thickening of the breast tissue should be assessed by a medical professional immediately.
“However, there are other red flag symptoms that shouldn’t be ignored, and if you spot any of the following you should seek medical advice straight away:
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Changes in the shape of the size of one or both breasts
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Any discharge or fluid coming from either of your nipples
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Lumps or swellings under either of your armpits
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Any changes to the look or feel of your skin; for example, rashes, redness, dimpling or puckering
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Any kinds of rashes, such as crusting, scaling or itchy skin, or any redness around the nipple
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Changes to the appearance of your nipples including the nipple becoming sunken into your breast.”
What should I share with my GP?
“When calling your GP for an appointment relating to a change in the breast, it’s a good idea to explain the nature of your call in the first instance. This means that the team are aware of the urgency of your request, and can help to secure a timely appointment.
“When you visit your GP, it is useful to share any information that may help your GP understand your circumstances, such as how long you have had the symptoms, any family history or anything you have noticed that makes the symptoms better or worse. A rash, for instance, could be down to eczema and not cancer, but to give your GP the best chance of a correct diagnosis, you should go armed with as much information as possible.
“Whilst there, your GP will ask you some questions and examine your breasts. They may also check the lymph nodes under your armpits and in your neck.”
What should happen following my GP appointment?
“If your GP does recognise any signs of cancer, they can refer you to a hospital specialist or breast care clinic for further tests. If the symptoms are less obvious, they may ask you to come back in a week or two to assess whether the symptoms have worsened or improved.”
Why can symptoms be missed or dismissed?
“At present, it is estimated that 600,000 people are alive in the UK after a diagnosis of breast cancer. With a focus on early detection and improved technologies, this is predicted to rise to 1.2 million by 2030. This shows that great strides are being made in cancer diagnosis and care.
“Sadly, misdiagnosis does still happen, with a reported 4 in 10 people having been misdiagnosed at least once before their cancer was eventually identified. This can be for a variety of reasons, including equipment failures during routine mammograms, staff shortages resulting in delayed appointments and, occasionally, medical negligence by a GP or health professional.
“Breast cancer is most common in women over 50 and so cancer symptoms may be dismissed because a woman is ‘too young’ or has no family history of the disease. Similarly, lumps can be attributed to fatty tissue if a patient is considered overweight, or male breast cancer may be missed because breast cancer is seen predominantly as a female issue. Around 390 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, compared to 55,000 women.”
What can I do if I’ve been misdiagnosed?
“If you think you have been misdiagnosed and want further tests or a second opinion, you are entitled to ask for this. You can ask to see a different doctor at your GP clinic or move healthcare providers altogether.
“You are only able to access a hospital appointment when referred by a GP but, if and when you are referred, you can choose to go to any NHS hospital that has the service you require. You also have the right to choose a team or consultant, provided that your referring doctor agrees that your choice is appropriate.
“If you are on a waiting list and your condition worsens, it is important to see your GP as soon as possible so that they can recommend that you be seen as a matter of greater urgency. You are also entitled to get a second opinion after seeing a consultant. You will need to request this from the consultant or your GP. If you remain dissatisfied with the treatment you are receiving, you may consider it necessary to make a complaint using the NHS complaints procedure.”
