Breast cancer links and resources.

Helpful information about breast cancer.

What to do if you are worried about breast cancer.

Breast Cancer UK are a prevention charity whose primary focus is empowering people to reduce their risk of breast cancer. As such, we do not provide medical or pastoral support, advice or information on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. 

We have provided a list of organisations below that do provide these services that you can get in contact with if you have any concerns about these areas or are in need of support. These includes helplines you can call or centres you can visit.  

If you are worried about breast cancer or think you may have any signs or symptoms of the disease (see below), please visit your doctor as soon as possible. It may be nothing, but the earlier a diagnosis is made, the higher chance that treatment will be successful. 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer. 

Healthy breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and it is important to know what is normal for you. Please see our Check Your Breasts or Chest page for more information on breast checking. If you do notice any changes, please contact your GP. 

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:  

After examining your breasts, your GP may refer you to a specialist breast cancer clinic for further tests. These might include a mammogram (breast X-ray), ultrasound scan or biopsy (breast tissue sample). 

Source: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/

Information on breast screening. 

Breast Cancer UK supports the NHS breast screening programme for the early detection of breast cancer. 

The NHS Breast screening programme involves having an x-ray taken of your breast, also known as a mammogram scan, which is then checked for signs of breast cancer.  

In the UK, breast screening is offered to women between the ages of 50 and 70 and some transgender and non-binary people. If you have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer, you may be invited to attend screening earlier.  

A woman’s decision to participate in the screening programme is voluntary. We encourage women to read about the potential benefits and harms of the programme and discuss individual options with their GPs. 

Please read our full position on the NHS breast screening programme for more information. 

You can also visit the NHS website for information, including what to expect during your screening appointment.  

Services that could help.

Please note: this is not an exhaustive list. There are likely to be many local support groups and regional centres that can provide help and support, so do ask your local GP or breast clinic for further information. 

Breast Cancer Now

Breast Cancer Now provides breast cancer information and support across the UK. You can speak to dedicated breast cancer nurses about any concerns about breast cancer or breast health. They have specific support for partners and for younger women affected by breast cancer. They have a lot of information about mastectomy wear (including bras and swimming costumes) and also specialise in correctly fitting breast prostheses. 

Men’s Virtual Meet Up

The Men’s Virtual Meet Up is a monthly meeting hosted on zoom for men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. The meetings are a place for men to talk openly, share experiences and hear other’s stories.  

Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline

The Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline provides support and information to anyone concerned about hereditary breast cancer. 

  • Visit their page for full details on the support services they provide: www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk 
  • Phone: 01629 813000  
  • Email: canhelp@btopenworld.com 
     

Future Dreams

Future Dreams offer a range of services, both online and in person to support people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. They host workshops, classes, support groups and many other services both virtually and in person at their Future Dreams House in London. 

BRCA+ Chat

BRCA+ Chat are a small UK charity which aims to support anyone navigating a BRCA (or other related gene) mutation, from whether you are considering gene testing through to having been diagnosed with cancer. 

  • Visit their page for full details on the support services they provide: www.brcachat.com
  • Email: info@brcachat.com 

Macmillan Cancer Support

Macmillan Cancer Support provides support at all stages of a cancer diagnosis. They provide booklets on diagnosis, treatments, and wellbeing. They also run helplines providing cancer information, support and benefits advice, and offer Cancer Voices service, enabling those affected by cancer to share their experiences. 

Maggie’s

Maggie’s are a charity who provide support and information to anyone affected by cancer. They have a helpline you can call, as well as dedicated centres across the UK that you can attend without an appointment.  

  • Visit their page for full details on the support services they provide: www.maggies.org
  • Helpline: 0300 123 1801 

OUTpatient

OUTpatient are the UK’s only LGBTQ+ cancer charity. They provide support for LGBTQ+ people who have been affected by cancer.  

The Daisy Network

The Daisy Network provides help, support and information for women who have had early menopause. 

  • Visit their page for full details on the support services they provide: www.daisynetwork.org
  • PO Box 71432, London SW6 9HJ
  • Email: info@daisynetwork.org.uk 

Cancer Research UK

CRUK provides general information and advice on cancer and funds research into the disease. The have a cancer chat forum and nurse helpline available for anyone who has been affected by cancer. 

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