Breast cancer

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Common symptoms include:  

Appearance:

• a change in size or outline of either breast, especially those caused by arm movement;
• any puckering, dimpling or redness of the skin;
• veins that stand out more than usual.

Lumps:

• any lumps or thickening in either breast that feels different from the other breast;
• any swelling or lumps under your armpit or around your collarbone.

Nipple change:

• a nipple that has become pulled in, changed shape or shows signs of any discharge, bleeding, rash or crusted, flaky skin.

If you regularly experience any of the above symptoms, it is important that you see your GP.

Screening for breast cancer

All women aged 50-70 are invited to attend for a mammogram at their local breast screening unit every three years. Women over 70 are still at risk of breast cancer. Although they are not routinely invited for breast screening, they are encouraged to call their local screening unit to request breast screening every three years. Breast screening uses a low dose X-ray test called a mammogram to check the breast for signs of cancer.

Breast screening saves lives from breast cancer. It does this by finding cancers at an early stage when they are too small to see or feel. This is when treatment can be most effective. However, breast screening does have some risks. The leaflet Helping you decide provides more information. 

Below is a video showing what happens when a woman goes for breast screening.

Find out more about the Northern Ireland Breast Screening Programme

Breast screening units

Did you know that each Breast Screening Unit in NI has a dedicated team to promote equality and accessibility for all eligible clients to attend the Breast Screening programme?

We offer

• Information sessions on the NHS Breast Screening Programme to various community organisations
• Attend community events to promote breast screening within our local communities
• Members of the team can attend health fairs with breast information leaflets and free promotional material
• Visit GP surgeries, working together to promote the Breast Screening Programme

For more information contact your local Breast Screening Unit-

• Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (also covering South Eastern HSCT)
  028 90333700
  [email protected]
• Northern Health and Social Care Trust
  028 94424425
  [email protected]
• Southern Health and Social Care Trust
  028 37560820
  [email protected]
• Western Health and Social Care Trust
  028 71611443
  [email protected]

Breast family history

Health care professionals and patients from across Northern Ireland have developed information and resources for people who may have a risk of developing breast cancer due to their family history. For more information visit Breast family history resources | Northern Ireland Cancer Network