{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"","title":"Living alone through breast cancer treatment","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/69bd23ba7878605e11770aec/1780035739778-77fc474c-6e13-444f-b61c-d1f5fdb4e6bd.jpeg?height=200","description":"

Lesley discusses some challenges to being in treatment while living alone and having family the other end of the country. She has benefitted from supportive friends in the Quaker community as well as dipping into writing poetry. More podcasts on www.cancercafepodcast.org


In females in the UK, breast cancer is the most common cancer, with around 57,900 new cases every year. That's 30% of all new female cancer cases in the UK (2018-2019,2021). In males in the UK, breast cancer is not among the 20 most common cancers, with around 400 new cases every year. (Cancer Research UK)


DIAGNOSIS:

1. About 90% of breast lumps are not cancerous. They are benign but may require some medical attention.

2. Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women but men are not exempt.

3. Breast cancer is on the increase fortunately all women between 50 and 71 in the UK registered with a GP will be invited for breast screening every 3 years with a mammogram which x-rays breast tissue. My advice is to take it. Most women around the world are denied this test. We are lucky in the UK If caught in the early stages, almost 9/10 women survive their cancer for 5 years or more.

4. Causes of breast cancer - lifestyle? HRT? Alcohol? Hereditary? They are various with no single definitive answer but the chances of developing breast cancer increase within the above age range..

5. If below 50 and above 71 and you find a lump or changes in breast tissue appearance get it checked out with your GP. You will be referred on if anything is questionable.

6. Beyond 71 years of age you won’t be recalled for screening but you can request ongoing screening by mammogram. See your GP with any suspicious change or ring the Mermaid Centre in Truro on 01872 252880 Monday to Friday from 8.30 am weekdays for information on screening near you.

7. If you identify as transgender or non-binary and suspect breast changes, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your concerns.

LC April 2026 (drawing extensively on information from Cancer Research UK)

","author_name":"Matthew Clarke"}