Wear it Pink
Friday 24th October 2025 is Wear it Pink day, raising money and awareness for breast cancer and breast cancer research.
Symptoms of breast cancer
There are several signs and symptoms that could indicate breast cancer. If you develop any of these symptoms and are concerned, please see your GP:
- a lump or selling in the breast, upper chest or armpit
- changes to the skin (e.g., puckering or dimpling) or skin colour
- changes to the nipple (e.g., it has become inverted)
- rash or crusting around the nipple
- discharge
- change in breast shape or size.
Checking your breasts
It is easy to check your breasts – no special training is required. Just remember to check the breasts, upper chest and armpit area.
Touch and appearance are the most important things to consider – feel and look for any changes. Most people will find a way that works best for them. Everyone’s breasts are different and no-one knows them better than you, meaning that you will be able to identify any changes.
If you notice any changes, make an appointment to speak to your GP.
Make checking your breasts a routine thing.
Tests and scans
Your doctor may refer you for different tests to establish whether you do have breast cancer and what type it may be. These tests include:
- mammogram – this is a type of X-ray where the breast is pressed firmly down on surface by a plate. Pictures of the breast are then taken from top, bottom and each side.
- 3D mammogram (tomosynthesis) – this technique uses lower dose X-rays with a camera that rotates around the breast with the images sent to a computer to assemble into a 3D composite image.
- ultrasound – sound waves are used to produce an image of the breast. A handheld scanning probe is moved over the breast and, potentially, the underarm area.
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan – magnetism and radio waves produce a series of images of the inside of the breast.
- contrast enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) – uses a special dye to highlight areas in the breast in more detail than with a standard mammogram.
- biopsy – a sample of breast tissue is taken using one of several methods and is then sent to a lab to be examined.
Waiting for results
If you’ve had a scan or a biopsy and are waiting for the results, this can be an anxious time. Support is available from organisations such as Breast Cancer Now, who offer a free support helpline.
Treatment
If you require treatment for breast cancer, your treatment team will discuss the options available to you, any side effects and which choice may be right for you.
The options include:
- surgery
- radiotherapy
- chemotherapy
- hormone therapy
- targeted therapy
- bisphosphonates.
Who is affected?
Although breast cancer largely affects women in the upper age bracket, the condition can also be found in younger women and, more rarely men. Therefore, everyone should be aware of the symptoms and what to look out for.
More information
If you require further information or support, speak to an organisation such as Breast Cancer Now, who offer support for those affected by breast cancer as well as conducting research into the condition.
