This week, the CoppaFeel! community has been rocked by the death of its founder, Kris Hallenga.
The 38-year-old breast cancer awareness activist passed away after living with cancer for more than 15 years.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Hallenga, and celebrities such as Ferne Cotton and Giovanna Fletcher were among stars to share their condolences.
“She hasn’t lost a battle, she wasn’t in a fight and she certainly wouldn’t want you to see her death as tragic. She was simply living. She was 38 and died with fulfilment and a heart full of love,” the CoppaFeel! website said.
By the time Hallenga was diagnosed with secondary breast cancer in 2009, after being turned away by her GP for almost a year, her cancer was terminal.
Around the same time, she kickstarted a massive breast cancer awareness movement under the banner of CoppaFeel!
The goal was to educate young people about why it's important to check for breast cancer and to help more people get early diagnoses.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the UK, affecting around one in seven women in their lifetime.
The NHS says that most women diagnosed tend to be over 50 but that younger females – and even men – can also get it.
To keep Hallenga’s legacy alive, here is everything you need to know about breast cancer – and what symptoms to look for.
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
The NHS says that there can be minimal signs and symptoms of breast cancer, which is why it is important to keep a close eye on what is normal for your own breasts.
Typically, the first noticeable sign is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.
Experts say that most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it’s always best to have them checked by a doctor.
You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:
a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
discharge from either of your nipples, which may be streaked with blood
a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
dimpling on the skin of your breasts
a rash on or around your nipple
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a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
The CoppaFeel! website offers a lot of free resources and videos to help you check for breast cancer. They also offer guidance for trans and non-binary people, as well as people with breast implants.
What are the causes of breast cancer?
Experts do not know the exact causes of breast cancer because they differ from person to person. This makes it difficult to say why one woman may develop breast cancer and another may not.
What doctors do know is that the likelihood of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases with age. That’s why over-50s in the UK are regularly invited for mammograms.
All women who are between 50 and 70 should be screened for breast cancer every three years as part of the NHS Breast Screening Programme.
There is also a heightened chance of catching breast cancer if you have a family history.
There are also genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 which can increase your risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancer. It’s possible for these genes to be passed on from a parent to their child. Genetic tests can be carried out on the NHS to find out your likelihood of contracting the disease if you have a family history.
There are other factors which may increase your risk. These are:
- Hormonal factors: Prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone, which can occur due to early menstruation, late menopause, or hormone replacement therapy, may increase the risk. Additionally, women who have never been pregnant or had their first pregnancy after the age of 30 may have a higher risk.
- Personal history of breast conditions: Some benign breast conditions, such as atypical hyperplasia or lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), can increase the risk.
- Previous radiation therapy: Undergoing radiation therapy for the chest area, particularly during adolescence or early adulthood, can increase the risk later in life.
- Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle choices may contribute to the risk of breast cancer, including excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
How deadly is breast cancer?
Survival after diagnosis depends on many different factors. These include:
- type and stage of cancer
- level of fitness
- previous treatment
Cancer Research UK says that survival rates are “generally good, particularly if you are diagnosed early”. This is due to screening programmes, early diagnosis and improved treatment options in the UK.
Cancer Research UK has survival statistics are available for each stage of breast cancer in England. The following figures are for women diagnosed between 2016 and 2020:
Stage 1
Most women (almost 100 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 2
Ninety out of 100 women (90 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 3
More than 70 out of 100 women (more than 70 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after diagnosis.
Stage 4
More than 25 out of 100 women (more than 25 per cent) will survive their cancer for five years or more after they are diagnosed. The cancer is not curable at this point, but can be controlled with treatment for some years.
How can I check myself at home?
The NHS says it is “vital” that women of all ages check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP. There is no right or wrong way to check, but it is important to know what your “normal” is, so you will notice any changes.
NHS guidance explains the best way to start:
It reads: “Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit.
“You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.”
For more information, visit the official guidance here.
