Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. In the UK, approximately 750 women are diagnosed each week which amounts to over 41,000 new cases each year. 250 women die of the disease every week. However, the earlier a cancer is detected, the higher the chance of successful treatment and survival.

To pick up potential problems at the earliest possible opportunity, you need to be aware of any changes in your breasts, which could be change in size, one breast may have become noticeably larger or lower, nipple change if it becomes inverted (pulled in) or changes its position or shape, rash on or around the nipple, discharge, from one or both nipples, puckering or dimpling around nipple, swelling under your armpit or around your collarbone (from lymph nodes), lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue, constant pain in one part of your breast or in your armpit.

If you notice a change, see your GP straight away. Your GP may be able to reassure you after examining your breasts, or you may be asked to come back at a different time in your menstrual cycle to rule out a hormonal cause. Alternatively, you may be sent to a breast clinic for a more detailed examination.

One of the simplest methods for early detection is for all women to be "breast aware" by checking their breasts for lumps or changes each month. In reality, though, very few women regularly do this - some women may be unsure how to do a breast examination and others may find it difficult to distinguish normal breast tissue from a genuine lump.

More than 80% of cases occur in women over 50. Taking the contraceptive pill slightly increases the risk. Taking hormone replacement therapy significantly increases your risk somewhat more, but the health benefits derived from hormone replacement are better overall. Obesity and heavy drinking also significantly increase the risk.

Your risk of getting breast cancer doubles if you have one close relative (mother or sister), when compared to women with no cases in the family. Having two close relatives affected increases your risk further.

Biopsy (a tissue sample) it the most important method used to diagnose breast cancer. The sample of tissue is removed from the breast lump by a hollow needle and then examined under a microscope. The shape and appearance of the cells in the tissue sample reveals whether the lump is benign, which is true of the vast majority, or if it is cancerous.

The main treatment for breast cancer is surgery followed by a short course of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, depending on the type of tumour and how advanced it is.

In the early 1970's, only half of all women diagnosed with the disease survived for five years, but now due to scientific advances, over three quarters survive for that long and most of them will live for very much longer.

The most important thing to do is to check yourself regularly and if feel any lumps go straight to your GP for further examination and advice.

The Breast Chek Kit is available at Amplusfigura which includes a storage pouch and an instruction booklet with spaces to record your examinations. The kit includes a storage pouch and an instruction booklet with spaces to record your examinations.

More information on The Breast Chek Kit visit Amplusfigura -

More information on breast cancer visit Breast Cancer Care -