Penningtons Manches wears it pink and highlights the importance of increasing awareness of the symptoms of breast cancer

Posted: 22/10/2018

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This year, over 50,000 women will be told that they have breast cancer and around 20% of those women will succumb to the disease.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. More people are surviving, but with so many deaths each year, it is vital to encourage understanding and share knowledge with the hope of improving outcomes for those affected by cancer. Breast Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer charity, is raising money through its Wear It Pink campaign. The funds donated will go towards financing integral research into better prevention and treatment of the disease, with the vision of a future where, by 2050, every woman who develops breast cancer survives and can enjoy a good quality of life. 

How you can get involved 

To keep making discoveries Breast Cancer Now requires at least £300 million to invest in research over the next 10 years. One of the ways to assist is by taking part in Breast Cancer Now’s annual Wear It Pink day, which was held this year on 19 October and is one of the biggest fundraising events in the UK. Thousands across the country are wearing it pink in their communities, schools or work places throughout October to raise funds.

The research that is being supported by the campaign is so significant because early detection and appropriate treatment at every stage is essential to improving prognosis and saving lives. 

Many still have a lack of understanding about the causes of breast cancer and should be aware of the warning signs. 

What are the symptoms of breast cancer? 

The earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the chance of successful treatment. So it’s important to check your breasts regularly and cover the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits. 

A list of things to look for include the following:

• lumps - there may be some which you can feel but not see;
• pain - particularly any pain that is unusual and persists over a period of time;
• changes in shape or size;
• changes in texture such as dimpling, puckering or colour changes;
• changes to nipples such as appearance, direction, discharge or a rash. 

It’s as simple as TLC: Touch Look Check

What happens next? 

Continue to check consistently even if you are having regular screening. The first port of call if you do spot something unusual is to book an appointment with your GP as soon as possible. If your doctor thinks you need any investigation, which can include further testing such as taking a biopsy, he or she should refer you to a breast clinic to see a specialist. 

How we can help 

Frankie Rhodes, an associate in the clinical negligence team at Penningtons Manches, says: “Our team acts in cases for a number of clients with breast cancer where there have been failures in the care provided. These include delays in diagnosis, for instance as a result of failure to refer, failure to recognise possible recurrences, misinterpretation of radiological investigations and mislaid results. All of these are preventable with suitable consideration and management. We are happy to provide initial advice and have an informal, no obligation chat with anyone who has concerns about the care they have received.”

Please contact us on freephone 0800 328 9545 or email clinnegspecialist@penningtonslaw.com.

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