There will be a documentary on BBC3 tonight ( 26 March, 9 pm ), and later on BBC iPlayer, which tells the story of Kris Hallenga, who was diagnosed with late-stage breast cancer at the age of 23 ( “ Kris – Dying to Live “ ). A month after her diagnosis, she set up a charity, “ CoppaFeel ! “, with her twin sister, to help raise awareness about early diagnosis of this cancer. This brave young lady doesn’t want to be described as “ fighting “, “ suffering “, or “ battling “ - she would rather be known as “ simply living “ .



It’s VITAL to remember that the chance of developing this cancer before the age of 30 is VERY low ! The risk increases with age – it most commonly affects women over the age of 50.


Breast screening remains controversial, but its aim is to detect this cancer at an early stage before symptoms or signs develop, in the age group most at risk. It’s thought that if it could be introduced to countries such as the Philippines, the outlook would much improve.


Neither the UK nor any other country starts screening at a young age. There aren’t the resources ; interpretation of “ abnormalities “ is more difficult ; and there are risks of over-treatment ; not to mention the worry for all concerned. Even if one or more breast lumps ARE present, the vast majority in young age groups are benign / not cancer .


At ANY age, however, it’s worth remembering signs / symptoms which should be investigated :-


• Lump or thickening in breast
• Swelling or lump in armpit or near collar bone
• Discharge from nipple
• Change in shape or size of breast
• Change in the shape of the nipple
• Rash on nipple or nearby area
• Changes to skin on the breast such as “ dimpling “
• Pain in breast / armpit



http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b03zf3tg


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-26728397