Check4Cancer

27/10/2026

October may be coming to an end, but looking after your breast health matters all year round 💗

A mammogram can pick up breast cancer before you can see or feel any changes.

Did you know that around 3 in 10 women invited for NHS breast screening in England don’t attend within six months? So, if your invitation is sitting in a drawer or on your to-do list, here’s a gentle reminder to make time for it.

If you’re in your 40s and not yet eligible for routine NHS screening, private screening may be an option. Check4Cancer offers screening mammograms for women aged 40+ without symptoms, subject to eligibility. No GP referral is needed.

Find out more and check whether it’s suitable for you: https://www.check4cancer.com/products/breast-cancer-mammogram-screening

If you’ve noticed a lump or any new breast change, please contact your GP as soon as possible rather than booking a screening mammogram.

Book a private breast cancer mammogram screening with Check4Cancer. No GP referral needed, with specialist breast radiologists and clinics across the UK.

23/10/2026

After quitting, your body begins to recover:

• Within hours, carbon monoxide levels in your blood begin to fall
• Over the following weeks, circulation improves
• Over time, the risk of smoking-related illness falls

The NHS reports that after 10 years, the risk of dying from lung cancer is around half
that of someone who continues smoking.

Giving up smoking can be hard, especially if it’s been part of your routine for a long
time. A local stop-smoking service, pharmacist or the NHS Quit Smoking app can
help you find support that suits you.

If you’ve tried before, it’s okay to try again. You can ask for help whenever you feel
ready.

Find support:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

21/10/2026

“It doesn’t run in my family, so I don’t need to worry.”

Many people think this, but most people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a
family history of the disease.

It can be hard to know what to believe about breast cancer. Some common
misconceptions may make us less likely to notice a change or ask for advice.

Our carousel looks at five common myths, including who can develop breast cancer
and what a normal mammogram means.

Whatever your age or family history, get to know your breasts and speak to your GP
if something changes. Screening is also important when it’s appropriate for you.

Save this post or share it with someone who would find it helpful.

16/10/2026

Did you know that men can get breast cancer too?

Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer, although it is rare.

Changes to look out for include:

• A lump or swelling in the chest or armpit
• A ni**le turning inwards
• Ni**le discharge, which may be blood-stained
• A rash, sore or other skin change around the ni**le

If you notice a change, make an appointment with your GP, even if it doesn’t hurt. Breast symptoms in men need checking too.

There are many possible reasons for these changes. Your GP can help you find out what’s causing them.

It’s something many people aren’t aware of, so please share this reminder.

Clinical reference: CoppaFeel!

14/10/2026

Inherited changes in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can increase the risk of
breast and some other cancers.

Finding out that you have a harmful gene change doesn’t mean you will definitely
develop cancer. It gives your healthcare team information to help them advise you on
screening and ways to manage your risk.

Scientists funded by Cancer Research UK are studying these gene changes to
explore possible new ways to prevent breast cancer. The work is still at the research
stage, so these potential treatments aren’t available yet.

If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family, a genetic counsellor can talk through
your family history with you, explain what it may mean and help you decide whether
testing is appropriate.

You don’t have to work out what your family history means on your own.
Read about the research:

https://news.cancerresearchuk.org/shorthand_story/how-brca-gene-research-could-
lead-to-new-ways-to-prevent-breast-cancer/

09/10/2026

Feeling a little nervous about a mammogram? It can help to know what will happen.

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breasts. Screening can detect changes that are too small to see or feel.

During the scan, the mammographer positions each breast on the machine. Your breast is then gently but firmly compressed between two plates for a few seconds to take clear X-ray images. This can be uncomfortable or painful, so let the mammographer know how you’re feeling.

Specialists review your images afterwards. Sometimes, further tests are needed to get a clearer picture. Being asked to come back does not necessarily mean you have cancer.

Check4Cancer offers private mammogram screening for eligible women aged 40 and over without breast symptoms.

If you’ve noticed a new lump or another breast change, speak to your GP or a breast clinic so they can arrange the right assessment for you. Routine screening is for people without symptoms.

Find out more:

https://www.check4cancer.com/products/breast-cancer-mammogram-screening

06/10/2026

Not sure how to check your breasts? Our guide can help.

There’s no right or wrong way to check. What matters is getting to know how your breasts usually look and feel, so you can notice anything different.

Look at your breasts in a mirror, then feel across your breasts, up towards your collarbones and into your armpits.

You might find it easiest in the shower, while getting dressed or when lying down. Find a time that fits into your day.

If you notice something new or unusual, make an appointment with your GP, even if you’ve recently had a normal mammogram.

Save this carousel as a reminder, and read our step-by-step guide:

https://www.check4cancer.com/blogs/advice-and-awareness/handy-guide-to-performing-a-breast-self-examination-in-6-steps

04/10/2026

Have you noticed a lump or swelling near your jaw or ear?

You may not give your salivary glands much thought. They make saliva, which helps you chew, swallow and digest food. Salivary gland cancer is rare, but it’s helpful to know the signs.

Possible symptoms include:
• A new lump or swelling near the ear, jaw, mouth or neck
• Persistent pain in that area
• Numbness in part of the face
• Difficulty swallowing or opening your mouth fully

These symptoms can have other causes, but it’s best to speak to your GP if you notice an unexplained change. A lump should be checked even if it doesn’t hurt.

If you’re unsure whether something needs checking, your GP can advise you.

02/10/2026

How well do you know your breasts?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a helpful reminder to get to know how your breasts usually look and feel.

Changes to look out for include:
• A new lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• A change in breast size or shape
• Dimpling, redness or other skin changes
• A ni**le turning inwards or developing a rash
• Unexpected ni**le discharge
• Breast or armpit pain that doesn’t go away

Finding a change can be worrying. It doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it’s best to make an appointment with your GP to have it checked.

You don’t need to be an expert to check your breasts. Getting familiar with them can help you notice when something is different.

Read our breast-awareness guide:

https://www.check4cancer.com/blogs/advice-and-awareness/handy-guide-to-performing-a-breast-self-examination-in-6-steps

26/09/2026

Thank you for choosing Check4Cancer.

To our patients, followers, healthcare partners and everyone who has trusted us to support them—thank you.

Our aim is to make cancer risk assessment and screening clear, clinically led and personal. That means providing:

* Guidance shaped around individual circumstances and risk
* Access to specialist screening and diagnostic pathways
* Clear explanations of results
* Support and guidance about appropriate next steps

For many cancers, earlier detection can improve treatment options and outcomes. But good screening begins with choosing the right test for the right person—and ensuring that appropriate support is available afterwards.

Thank you for continuing to be part of the Check4Cancer community and for helping us encourage better-informed conversations about cancer risk and early detection.