Breast cancer is the major health fear among women, according to a new survey carried out by the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Advice and information about the disease, the major cause of death of women to cancer in the Bradford district, is being highlighted during October as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The disease affects one in 12 women at some point in their lives, but a key element in its treatment is early diagnosis, and women are particularly being urged to carry out regular checks to detect early signs.

Major improvements in breast care services are under way in Bradford and Airedale, in line with best practice in the field, leading to the setting up of one-stop clinics which give more than 90 per cent of women who find breast abnormalities peace of mind within a day of tests after referral by their GP.

Pauline Pickles, 51, chairman of the Bosom Friends support group, which is closely involved in advising on the service in Bradford, was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago.

She found a lump in a self-examination and underwent a series of tests over a seven-week period before a mastectomy was carried out, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

She said it was important to carry out regular self-examination which was how most women first discovered they had a potential problem.

The one-stop service set up earlier this year at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford had been a major step forward for women and the next stage in the city was to reduce the time before surgery.

"If women find something they shouldn't put their head in the sand, but have it seen to," she said.

"Certainly in Bradford we have the best system in place which can then ensure the best chance of survival possible. The longer it is left the worse it gets.

"Now for most women they can go through all the tests on the same day and for the majority it proves to be nothing serious and they get to know that the same day."

Breast cancer is more likely to affect women as they get older. Most breast abnormalities are unlikely to be cancer but women are advised to contact their GP if they spot changes. Experts advise the best way to become aware of changes is to get to know the normal feel and appearance of breasts in everyday activities like showering and dressing. Among changes to look out for are:

Any lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.

Any dimple, dent, change in size or shape of the breast.

Any reddish, ulcerated or scaly area of skin on the breast or nipple.

Any rash on or around the nipple or moist reddish areas which do not heal easily.

Any change in nipple position.

Any unusual pain or sensation in the breast or armpit.

Pauline Pickles, from Bosom Friends, can be contacted on (01535) 630139. A leaflet produced by the UK Breast Cancer Coalition on breast awareness and breast information is available by calling 0171 720 0945.

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