RESIDENT WINCHESTER RESIDENT OCT NOV 19 WEB - Page 43

Health matters
Know the signs
and symptoms
Mr Bashar Zeidan, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon
at BMI Sarum Road Hospital,
Winchester, focuses
treatment and could reduce the
BREAST surgeon
need for extensive treatment
specialising in the
what to look out for
for advanced breast cancer.
treatment of breast
disease, including
and changes which may Identifying breast cancer early is
key for better patient outcomes
breast cancer as well as breast
and could improve the chances
require a check-up
reconstruction, advises that any
A
persistent change in the breast
or armpit should be investigated.
“The main breast cancer red
flags include breast lumps, nipple
change and/or discharge, breast
skin change and a lump(s) in the
armpit,” he said.
“You need to see your GP for
any persistent lump(s) which are
not resolving after your period,
for further evaluation and referral
to the breast specialists for
further assessment.
“You should worry if you
find a breast lump associated
with nipple inversion or
discharge (especially blood
stained discharge), skin change
(tethering, thickening, persistent
inflammation) or a lump in the
armpit.
“Although we can’t prevent
breast cancer, modifying your
lifestyle could reduce the risk
of breast cancer, this includes:
exercising and maintaining
healthy weight; avoiding
saturated fat; minimising
alcohol intake, and limiting
hormonal exposure (for example,
Hormone Replacement Therapy).
“Screening mammograms
are important for the early
detection of breast cancer, when
it is most treatable. This usually
facilitates early breast cancer
www.residentmagazine.co.uk
ABOVE: Mr Bashar Zeidan, Consultant
Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at BMI
Sarum Road Hospital, Winchester.
of breast conservation.
“The question everyone asks
‘what are the options upon
diagnosis?’ Treatment options
depend on several factors
relating to the tumour and
patient.
“These include a wide range
of surgical options including
breast conservation, oncoplastic
procedures or mastectomy with
or without breast reconstruction.
Axillary surgery is often needed
to complete the staging process.
“Several medications
(such as anti-oestrogen and
chemotherapeutic agents)
can also be recommended
either prior to or after surgery.
A significant proportion
of patients, mainly those
undergoing breast conservation,
will be offered radiotherapy.”
bmihealthcare.co.uk/sarumroad
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a worldwide annual
campaign involving thousands of organisations to highlight the
importance of breast awareness, education and research. Breast
Cancer Now, the UK’s largest breast cancer research charity, aims
to get as many people as possible involved in raising awareness
and funds to help life-saving research and life changing support.
Winchester & Eastleigh Cancer Support is a friendly support group,
run by survivors for survivors. Winchester is holding a ‘Chat and
Chill’ meeting on November 5.
winchesterbreastcancer.uk
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