What causes it and how is it common?

Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in the UK, with around 62,000 people diagnosed every single year in the UK.

More than 5,000 women – and men – will be diagnosed with the disease this month alone.

Most of us know someone who has been affected by this devastating disease. Every year the month of October – also known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month – is dedicated to educating people across the nation.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "That's why Yahoo UK Style spoke to Jane Murphy, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. "data-reactid =" 34 "> That's why Yahoo UK Style spoke to Jane Murphy, clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, to answer some of the most frequently asked questions.

Will taking the pill cause breast cancer?

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Murphy says:"Some studies have shown that taking oral contraceptive pills slightly increases the risk of developing breast cancer. ""data-reactid =" 36 "> Murphy says:"Some studies have shown that taking oral contraceptive pills slightly increases the risk of developing breast cancer. "

Some 3.5 million women in the UK take the contraceptive pill, so it's understandable this increased risk is a cause for concern.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "However, it only lasts as long as you are taking the contraceptive pill, explains Murphy. "Your risk If you're going down the road, you're going to have a lot of things to do with it. ""data-reactid =" 38 "> However, it only lasts as long as you are taking the contraceptive pill, explains Murphy." Your risk If you're going down the road, you're going to have a lot of things to do with it. "

What other factors cause breast cancer?

Sadly, there is no easy answer for this one.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = ""Breast cancer is an incredibly complex disease, so it remains difficult to isolate any factor as a definite cause. What we do know is the greatest risk factors being a woman and getting older, "she says. "data-reactid =" 41 ">"Breast cancer is an incredibly complex disease, so it remains difficult to isolate any factor as a definite cause. What we do know is the greatest risk factors being a woman and getting older, "she says.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "While you can not control either of these factors There are some lifestyle chances to reduce your risk of breast cancer. "Keeping a healthy balance weight and limiting the amount of alcohol can be a part of the risk. Knowing all the signs and symptoms can help save lives, "Murphy explains. "data-reactid =" 42 "> While you can not control either of these factors, there are some lifestyle chances to reduce your risk of breast cancer. "Keeping a healthy balance weight and limiting the amount of alcohol can be a part of the risk. Knowing all the signs and symptoms can help save lives, "Murphy explains.

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How do you check your breasts for cancer?

Most of us know to check our breasts for lumps, but this is not the only sign of breast cancer.

Others include a change in breast size or shape, an area that feels thicker than the rest, or a change in skin texture (look out for an "orange skin" texture). Remember to check your armpit and collarbone also, says Murphy.

Does having larger breasts mean you are more likely to get it?

This is a complicated one – it is not your breast size, but in fact your breast density (us), which increases cancer risk.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Murphy explains: "Breast size does not affect the risk of breast cancer. HOWEVER, women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing the disease. Breasts are described as being dense if they have more fatty tissue and more fibrous tissue. ""data-reactid =" 68 ">Murphy explains: "Breast size does not affect the risk of breast cancer. HOWEVER, women with dense breasts have a higher risk of developing the disease. Breasts are described as being dense if they have more fatty tissue and more fibrous tissue. "

How about wearing an underwired bra?

Some of us like to wear comfy cloth arm, while others prefer the support of a wired cup. The good news is, you can wear whatever you want, according to Murphy.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "She says:"Women call our helpline every day about how to reduce their risk of breast cancer. "data-reactid =" 71 "> She says:"Women call our helpline every day about how to reduce their risk of breast cancer.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = ""But there has been some concern that there is a possibility that the fluid in the breast is likely to be limited in the breast cancer toxins to build up in the area, there is no reliable evidence to support this. So if they choose, women can continue to wear underwired bras. ""data-reactid =" 72 ">"But there has been some concern that there is a possibility that the fluid in the breast is likely to be limited in the breast cancer toxins to build up in the area, there is no reliable evidence to support this. So if they choose, women can continue to wear underwired bras. "

If you breastfeed, does this mean you are less likely to get cancer?

As a mother, the decision of whether or not to breastfeed is a personal choice. But you will not do it?

<p class = "canvas-atom-text-canvas Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "No, says Murphy. "Though research shows that breastfeeding can decrease your risk of getting breast cancer, your risk does not increase if you do not breast feed.""data-reactid =" 75 "> No, says Murphy. "Though research shows that breastfeeding can decrease your risk of getting breast cancer, your risk does not increase if you do not breast feed."

<h2 class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Can men get breast cancer?"data-reactid =" 76 ">Can men get breast cancer?

While 99% of cases are in women, approximately 370 are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.

<p class = "canvas-atom-canvas-text Mb (1.0em) Mb (0) – sm Mt (0.8em) – sm" type = "text" content = "Murphy advises men to look out for symptoms like a lump, swelling or nipple discharge, adding: "Men can feel embarrassed about discussing their diagnosis with others, as well as getting breast cancer, so it's vital they get the support and information they need. ""data-reactid =" 78 "> Murphy advises men to look out for symptoms like lump, swelling or nipple discharge, adding:"Men can feel embarrassed about discussing their diagnosis with others, as well as getting breast cancer, so it's vital they get the support and information they need. "

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