Men and women alike can find out the tell-tale signs of breast cancer at an upcoming health lecture at the Great Western Hospital.
Ms Anushka Chaudhry, Consultant Breast Surgeon, will be hosting the interactive talk on Thursday 12 October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Taking place in the Academy at the Swindon hospital, Ms Chaudhry will explain what breast cancer is, how it is treated and, most importantly, what both men and women should be looking out for when checking for anything unusual.
A rare chance for local people to hear advice and information direct from one of Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s expert consultants, the health lecture will also contain a question-and-answer session in which the audience can quiz Ms Chaudhry on any issues they’d like further clarity on.
Speaking before the event, Ms Chaudhry said: “Most people know to look for a lump or a bump when checking for breast cancer, which is great, but what’s even better is to know the type of lumps that could be problematic.
“My talk will tell people about the best ways to check themselves, what they should do and, more importantly, who they should tell if they find something that doesn’t feel quite right.
“Breast cancer has lots of signs and symptoms, some of which aren’t as well-known as a lump or a bump, but knowing what they are could potentially make a real difference when it comes to finding something that needs attention sooner rather than later.
“This is all about empowering both women and men to be proactive in their approach to breast awareness because, while many think of breast cancer as something that is exclusive to the ladies, it does affect males too.”
Currently, one man is diagnosed with breast cancer every day in the UK and, although this makes it one of the rarer cancers, it is still one that men, particularly those over 60, should be conscious of.
A family history of breast cancer can often cause anxiety for many and, as part of the talk, Ms Chaudhry will be discussing whether or not this concern is necessary, as well as the options available to those worried about developing the disease in later life.
The Be Breast Aware lecture, which begins at 6pm, is free to attend.
For further advice and information on signs, symptoms and treatments, visit www.nhs.uk and search breast cancer.
