Girls Aloud and Big Brother star Sarah Harding has tragically passed away at the tender age of 39. The shock of how someone so young can be affected by breast cancer is a stark warning to many women the importance of getting checked and being aware of the potential early signs of the disease. Dr Hilary Jones appeared on Good Morning Britain to reiterate this point warning one of Sarah’s early symptoms was a lump under her arm rather than the usual lump on the breast. Most believe a lump on the breast to be the major sign to spot.
Dr Hilary explained how Sarah’s case is rather unusual as there is only 5 percent of breast cancer cases under the age of 40.
He added: “Being aware of the early signs of breast cancer is really important.”
According to Jones, signs of breast cancer can include:
- Change in breast size
- Change in shape
- Change in texture
- Puckering of the skin
- In pulling of the nipple
- Any discharge.
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Dr Jones discussed how Sarah’s unusual early sign was a lump under her arm or the lymph glands.
“If in doubt just go and get it checked out,” he stressed.
“I know that people are finding it difficult to get appointments with their GP face-to-face at the moment, but cancer cases are preauthorised.
“If you think that you could have anything that is even suspicious like that then you will be seen face-to-face by the doctor and referred urgently for investigation and treatment.
“It is absolutely paramount and vital.”
The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, making it difficult to say why one woman may develop breast cancer and another may not.
However, there are risk factors known to affect your likelihood of developing breast cancer including age, family history, dense breast tissue, exposure to oestrogen or the contraceptive pill.
To self-check for breast cancer use your hands and move the pads of your fingers around your breast gently covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Use light, medium, and firm pressure; squeezing the nipple to check for any discharge or lumps.
If you notice anything unusual speak to your health care professional immediately.