A DOCTOR is calling on women AND men to get themselves checked out for breast cancer.

Macmillan Cancer support has been urging people to learn about the signs and symptoms of the UK’s most common type of the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which ends tomorrow (Friday).

Macmillan GP cancer lead for Somerset Dr Amelia Randle said: “The good news is that due to early diagnosis and treatment, survival rates are generally high with around 84% of women living beyond five years after treatment.

“That said, there’s still plenty of work to do. With improving survival rates more and more people are dealing with long-term effects of breast cancer and its treatment, and over 11,700 women are still dying from breast cancer in the UK every year.

“This means it’s as important as ever that people know the signs and symptoms to look out for.

“Men should also be vigilant – while very rare in males, they still account for 1% of those diagnosed.”

Some of the symptoms which can be indicators of breast cancer include a lump in the breast; a change in the size or shape of the breast; dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue; a nipple that’s turned in; a rash on the nipple; discharge from the nipple; and swelling or a lump in the armpit.

Dr Randle added: “If you have any of these symptoms, get them checked by your GP.

“Although in many instances they will not be cancer, it’s important to get checked out as early as possible, because early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.”

If you have any worries or questions about breast cancer, click on the Macmillan link or call Macmillan free on 0808-8080000.