Check your breasts and chests this Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is national Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to remind local people about the importance of checking your breasts and chests and recognising the symptoms.

Michelle was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year and has been receiving treatment and care at Great Western Hospitals.We are using #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth to share Michelle's story, and to echo her plea for everyone to check their breasts and chests regularly.

She said: "I was only 35 when my breast started aching. I found a tiny pea-sized lump and got it checked. I then found out I had breast cancer, requiring chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy.

"Whilst there have been bumps along the way, I am eternally grateful to the staff at GWH and so glad I got checked out. The sooner they find it, the more likely you are to have a successful outcome.

"I would encourage others, no matter your age, to check your breasts. You are your biggest advocate, check yourselves and never be afraid to get checked out."

Find out how to check your breasts and chest on the NHS website. 

Additionally, women aged 50 to 70 across England are being urged to take up invitations to breast screening as the NHS redoubles its bid to reach millions of women not yet taking up the potentially life-saving offer.

Last year alone, NHS breast screening services detected cancers in 18,942 women across England, which otherwise may not have been diagnosed and treated until a later stage.

Despite this, in Swindon, nearly 7,000 women have not taken up the offer of screening following an invitation, with a further 2.18 million eligible women across the country not having had a breast screen in the last three years.

All people invited for a breast screen should take up the offer at the earliest opportunity. To make this easier, we have screening facilities in west Swindon and at Great Western Hospital for appointments.