Bored Panda reached out to the team at the UK-based Breast Cancer Now charity to learn more about this disease, the symptoms, the reasons why someone might develop it, and how to reduce the risks.

“There are many different risk factors for developing breast cancer, some of which we can’t control, like being female, getting older, and for some people, a family history of the disease. There is never one single cause of breast cancer, but rather it results from a combination of our genes, the surrounding environment, and the way we live our lives,” a representative of Breast Cancer Now explained to Bored Panda.

“There are things you can do to help to reduce your risk such as drinking less alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping physically active. Even the small changes like walking more or cutting down on processed foods can be a great start,” they said that there are lots of small lifestyle changes that can reduce the risks. Even though we can’t control everything, we can control some things.

Breast Cancer Now explained that breast cancer is the most common cancer in the United Kingdom. Around 55k women and 370 men get diagnosed with the disease each year. “1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, and 8 out of 10 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women aged 50 and over,” the representative told Bored Panda.

“Everyone’s breasts are different and can change with age and at different times of the month. No one knows your body better than you, so it’s important to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel so it will be easier to spot if there are any unusual changes,” Breast Cancer Now said.

“Most breast changes won’t be cancer but it’s important to report anything different or new to your doctor as soon as possible and get it checked out. The sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the more effective treatment may be.”

According to Breast Cancer Now, checking your breasts for lumps or swellings is very simple and you can remember what to do by using the acronym TLC: Touch, Look, Check. 

“It could be when you get dressed, or when you’re in the bath or shower or putting on moisturizer—just as long as you do it regularly and remember to check the whole breast and the surrounding area, including the upper chest and armpits. Most cases of breast cancer are found by women noticing unusual changes, taking the initiative, and visiting their doctor.”

Here are some of the most common breast cancer signs and symptoms: 

-“A lump or swelling in the breast, upper chest, or armpit. You might feel the lump, but not see it.

-Changes in the size or shape of the breast

-A change in skin texture i.e. puckering or dimpling of the skin

-A change in the color of the breast—the breast may look red or inflamed

-Rash, crusting, or changes to the nipple

-Any unusual discharge from either nipple.”