Breast Cancer: Symptoms, Screening and Early Diagnosis

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women in the UK. The outlook is increasingly positive: when caught early, survival rates are exceptionally high and treatments are far less invasive.

Common Symptoms

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
• An unexplained change in breast size or shape
• Skin changes — dimpling, puckering, redness or an orange-peel texture
• Nipple inversion or unexpected discharge
• Persistent, localised pain that does not go away

Screening in the UK: NHS vs Private

The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites women aged 50–71 for mammograms every three years. The aim is to detect precancerous changes before they become palpable lumps.

Enhanced Screening at Family Doctor Group

• Aged 40–50: screening mammogram every 2 years
• Under 40: annual ultrasound is often the preferred method
• High risk (e.g. BRCA, strong family history): earlier and more frequent specialist imaging

Why Mammograms Are Usually for Women Over 40

Breast density decreases with age. In younger, denser breasts, mammograms can miss subtle changes, so ultrasound is the gold standard. Mammograms become more sensitive after 40 as tissue becomes less dense.

Why Early Detection Matters

When breast cancer is diagnosed early, 5-year survival rates exceed 90%. If you notice any breast changes or would like a personalised screening plan, our GPs offer rapid risk assessment, investigations and coordinated specialist referral.