Hypnotherapy can improve mental health

When you first think of hypnotherapy, images of sinister psychiatrists manipulating their patients to gain control over their minds may occur. Far from its Rasputin-like image, it’s actually a highly useful process that harnesses the power of our subconscious minds for improved mental and physical health.

So What’s Hypnotherapy Then?

Hypnosis comes from the Greek word hypnos, meaning “to sleep,” and is a form of guided relaxation. In a typical hypnotherapy session, your hypnotherapist will begin by addressing your concerns and asking what exactly you’re aiming to improve. Then, you will be asked to sit or lie in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Once you are completely relaxed, you will be guided through various scenarios using intense concentration to achieve a heightened state of awareness, or trance. The reason this works is because when the mind is in a deeply relaxed state, its responsiveness to ideas is significantly heightened. Our waking conscious, which is responsible for inhibitions, is dulled and our subconscious is allowed to respond properly.

For example, if you suffer from severe anxiety, the hypnotherapist might ask you to picture yourself in a peaceful garden or on the beach. Then, they will talk about your anxiety and affirm that you no longer suffer from it – you are a relaxed, easy-going individual. You will remain in this state for 45 minutes to one hour until the therapist asks you to slowly return to your waking state. The feeling once you awake is similar to waking up from a pleasant nap; you should feel deeply relaxed and collected.

Why Should I Try Hypnotherapy?

It may all seem quite Freudian at first, the benefits of hypnotherapy mean that it’s worth giving it a try. Many writers, actors and artists commonly use this method to retrain their waking conscious, boost creativity and unblock energy. However, its benefits extend beyond the arts; you can retrain your mind to beat addiction, depression, stress, anger, and it can even be used to aid weight loss. It is a fantastic way to rid yourself of phobias, fears and anxiety.

If you experience any of these common problems, turning to hypnotherapy is a gentle, drug-free method devoid of negative side effects. While a qualified hypnotherapist is your best bet, those on a budget can try downloading free hypnosis sessions which are available online. Be aware that multiple sessions are required in order to see results, but if you stick with it, you will begin to notice yourself becoming a calmer, more adaptable person.

My first experience with hypnotherapy left me giggling throughout the whole session, much to my embarrassment; it seemed too ridiculous to actually work. Fortunately, my therapist was a patient person who encouraged me to try the process again. “If you don’t ‘let yourself go’ and continue to hold on to your waking state, it won’t work. You have to embrace it, even if you think it’s stupid at first,” he said.

I tried it again and allowed myself to ‘let go.’ And it worked. Regular practice has even allowed me to master my state of awareness. For example, if I suddenly feel depressed or anxious, I can stop and control myself. Before hypnotherapy, this would never have been possible. We could all use a little extra dose of zen, so why not give it a try?

Try out a little hypnotherapy on yourself…

Running increases health and fitness

Running is an activity often perceived as the territory of dedicated athletes and type-A perfectionists. But if we put the stereotypes aside, there are fantastic benefits to becoming a regular runner. Not only can it help you lose weight and boost your immune system, but the endorphin surge helps to increase happiness, reduce stress, and even improve your complexion. Who couldn’t use a daily pick-me-up that’s virtually free?

If you have never run before, it is a wise idea to first check with your doctor to ascertain that you do not have any pre-existing conditions that may prevent you from this.

Firstly, please note that spandex pants, a strap-on water pack and special sunglasses really aren’t necessary! To get started, all you need is a pair of trainers and comfortable workout clothes. Walking shoes, or any other non-running soles, should be avoided since they are not designed for this sport and can result in unnecessary injury to your feet.

The run/walk method is technique most commonly used by beginners who do not have the endurance to run for long periods of time. Here’s how to begin:

● Ease into physical exercise by warming up with a brisk ten-minute walk. Once your heart rate is elevated, begin running for two minutes, then stop and walk for five to ten. You can alternate segments according to your level of stamina (for example, if two minutes is too difficult at first, run for a minute and walk for ten).

● Keep track of time. Most personal trainers will tell you that in order to burn fat and take advantage of a cardio session, you need at least 40-60 minutes of physical exercise. Remember, if an hour seems too vigorous at first, you can spend more time walking briskly. The point is to keep moving. Your stamina will gradually increase with each passing week, and before long those workouts will fly by!

● Use proper running form. Pump your hands as you run, keeping them in tandem with the movement of your feet. Lift your feet slightly as you run. Remember that person you saw running crazily down the path, practically kicking their buttocks with each step? This is not the way professional runners, or even daily runners, should go about it. The reason professional runners appear to glide so smoothly is because less frenetic motion allows for better stamina and longer use of those muscles.

● To avoid injuring yourself, do not stare at your feet. Focus your eyes on the ground, about 10 to 20 feet away from you. This will prevent you from tripping over any obstructions.

Getting started and sticking to a running regimen is often the most challenging part. It can often be tempting to compare ourselves to the thin whippet types who vigorously punch the air with their fists as they whiz by us. But remember, you are doing this for yourself and the results will show. Running is a rather solitary experience, so if you’re more of the social butterfly type, bring a friend along for motivation. If not, bring your iPod along and fill it with your favourite tracks as a great way to stay motivated and keep yourself focused on the end result: a toned, summer-ready body.

Final Tip: Once I started running, I noticed to my annoyance that I would break out on my chest in areas where the seams of my workout clothes lay. You can avoid this common problem by buying synthetic fabrics that whisk away sweat while you exercise, instead of cotton clothes which retain moisture. Also, remember to shower as soon as you’re done.

Warming up before you start running can help prevent injuries

Katie Dailey's charming Heels on Wheels

Any lady who owns a bicycle, or knows a girl who does, will appreciate the challenges of helmet-hair and the intricacies of choosing the right bike lock. However, as Katie Dailey’s charming Heels on Wheels reminds us, these trifling challenges shouldn’t be enough to put us girls off “one of the simplest, greatest pleasures of modern living”.

Heels on Wheels is a little treasure of a book, combining practical advice with insider tips – and illustrations so sweet they’ll give you toothache. Not only will it serve as a handy introduction to cycling for newbies, it may also just make established cyclists fall in love with their two-wheeled conveyance all over again.

Katie Dailey is a dedicated follower of fashion, as well as a big fan of the humble bicycle. Like most girls in a committed relationship with their bike, she is only too happy to share the benefits of cycling. As such Heels on Wheels should help to dispel the fears some gals have about all things two-wheeled. Indeed, it makes the point that Katie, who has written for Elle and Sunday Times Style, has navigated London Fashion Week using her trusty steed to taker her from show to show. Quelle fille!

So, down to business; the book itself is split into sections that include purchasing your ideal bike, bicycle maintenance and cycle safety. This may all sound pretty dry, but the playful and familiar tone makes all the info marvellously palatable. The more serious content is also interspersed with fluffy stuff, like working out your cycling persona; Fashion Victim, Earth Mother, Speed Demon or Retro Rider. Add to this a smattering of amusing and aspirational cycle-related quotations and the package is complete. One of my favourite pearls of wisdom comes from the leader of the American women’s suffrage movement, Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) no less:

“Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. It gives women a feeling of freedom and self-reliance.
I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel…
the picture of free, untrammeled womanhood.”

Dailey’s cycling experience and fashion credentials are complemented by illustrations throughout from Clare Owen. These may just reassure you that having a bicycle between your legs doesn’t mean you have to be clad in neon Lycra from head to toe. In fact, the illustrations establish cycling as a positively chic mode of transport, making this 100-odd-page paperback feel more like a confection than a book.

Some people may argue that the topics covered in Heels on Wheels are all available online, in various cycling forums and on government cycling safety websites. This would be a fair point. However, this book does two things that any number of sensible cycling proficiency organisations don’t tend to. It illustrates that cycling and style can be happy bedfellows. And it makes all those practical need-to-know details, like the difference between drop and cruiserhandlebars, feel like hip things to know about.

Heels on Wheels is not the kind of book you’d sit and read at length, suggest for your book group or pop on your coffee table as an interior design ‘piece’. As a package though, it would make an adorable addition to any bookshelf and a fabulous gift for a fledgling cyclist. The book serves as a pretty reminder that being a cyclist makes you part of a rather exclusive club. Us cyclists may be smug but we also tend to be healthier, free from the doldrums of public transport and thoroughly unruffled by helmet-hair.

Heels on Wheels by Katie Dailey is published by Hardie Grant Books and is available to buy online here.

Work out your cycling persona with Heels on Wheels; Are you a Fashion Victim, Earth Mother, Speed Demon or Retro Rider?

Boost immune health by eating fresh fruit

It’s that time of year again and flu and the sniffles are back on the radar – we take a look at foods and natural ways to boost your immune system.

Get Fruity

Vitamin C is vital for our general health but at this time of year especially it’s super important. Vitamin C increases our resistance to infection but as we can’t produce it in the body (like most animals) we have to eat plenty of berries, citrus fruits and kiwis daily to get our required dose. Fruit also contains vitamin A — a great infection fighter — and vitamin E which stimulates the production of immune cells. For fruit with high vitamin content, choose organic and locally-grown (in the UK delicious tangy apples, pears and blackberries are in season right now). For a quick vitamin hit, go for food state vitamin supplements which are more easily absorbed by the body.

Green Tea Time

Switching the morning coffee for green tea is not only better for your stress levels but your immune system too. Research shows drinking green tea regularly increases anti-bacterial proteins in the body, plus it contains antioxidants which keep our cells healthy and less prone to disease. You may be surprised to know that up to 70% of our immune system is found in the intestines, so drinking four cups of green tea a day will help keep everything moving and create a healthier gut that’s ready to take on nasty germs.

Spice up your life

Cupboards stocked with garlic, chili, ginger and cinnamon can’t fail to keep the sniffles at bay. Garlic is sometimes referred to as a “natural antibiotic” and can destroy foreign bacteria without any side effects. Eating raw or cooked garlic stimulates the immune system and is particularly good at combating respiratory infections, such as bronchitis and flu. Chillies are loaded with vitamin A and beta-carotene, both potent antioxidants, and help flush out toxins when they make us hot. Fresh or powdered ginger is also warming and provides relief from most cold symptoms. Cinnamon inhibits bacteria growth and is rich in antioxidants, so freshly brewed masalachaitea makes an ideal immune boost beverage.

Herbal Remedies

Echinacea is probably the most well-known herb for warding off colds in the winter months. Taken as a tincture or tablet, it increases our defenses against unfriendly visitors and can inhibit colds and throat infections. Fresh sage can be brewed as a tea and is packed with anti-oxidants, calcium and magnesium that fire up the immune system, and boasts anti-bacterial and anti-septic properties. Even the humble stinging nettle is rich in vitamin C and helps production of infection-fighting white blood cells and detoxification. You can drink nettle in a tea, or take in a capsule or tincture.

Start Tapping

This is one to do in private to avoid any Tarzan-impersonation confusion; tapping your sternum (breastbone) several times a day can increase the production of immune cells. When we’re young all our bones make white bloods cells but as we get older only certain bones keep producing them. One such bone is the sternum, which produces white blood cells that are then transferred to the thymus gland (under the sternum) to develop. Tap your sternum with your finger tips to stimulate the bone marrow and thymus and give your immune system an instant boost.

How to cary out tapping for immune health

Useful Links

● London-based Yumchaa supply a delicious range of loose green teas.

● For dried herbs and tinctures, try Neal’s Yard Remedies.

● For food state nutritional supplements, we recommend Cytoplan.

* Note that when taking nutritional supplements it’s advisable to consult a trained nutritional therapist.

ila spa's rejuvenating bath salts and body scrub

Currently trying to follow a long list of resolutions? Among the numerous positive changes you planned, did you resolve to make more ‘me time’ in 2012? Dedicating time to oneself might seem a little less revolutionary (not to mention virtuous) than that health and fitness zeal, but it’s just as important. With our busy, rushed lives and endless to-do lists, taking time out can seem like a selfish choice – and a way of losing precious minutes and seconds when you could be doing something else. But if you can commit to one night a week of true, blissed-out relaxation and indulgence, you’ll find that tackling that task list and dashing around town seem a whole lot easier. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple, dig out that novel you’ve not managed to read mid-commute and run a deep, soothing bath. And exhale…

ila spa’s natural products are a luxurious complement to an evening spent looking after number one; the ethical, sustainable beauty brand is dedicated to  emotional and spiritual wellbeing. First stop? The Bath Salts for Inner Peace. Pure mineral-rich Himalayan salt crystals aid the detoxifying process, so those healthy intentions get an extra boost, hurrah! Add in heady damascena rose otto and sensual sandalwood, and you’ve got a serene blend guaranteed to soothe – and make you feel like the moments spent on ‘me time’ are definitely worth it. The Bath Salts are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of calm and tranquility, while rejuvenating skin and boosting natural radiance. Simply add a generous measure of the salts to your tub, lie back and soak for at least twenty minutes, to give your body enough time to absorb the rich minerals.

Alternatively try the Body Scrub for Energising and Detoxifying; a cure-all solution if you’re feeling run down or tired after a particularly arduous week. Once again, there’s a high concentration of those magic Himalayan salt crystals, along with juniper berry, rose geranium and wild poppy essence – the scent alone is uplifting. Intoxicating fragrance aside, the scrub promises to stimulate the lymphatic system, easing those muscular aches and pains. Tend to wear vertiginous heels and carry heavy totes? This one’s for you. First massage the scrub onto damp skin, for a wonderfully revivifying effect that really wakes skin up, before sinking into a deep bath to let the mineral salts do their work. Both products are best served in a candle-lit setting, preferably with a glass of Malbec…

For more information, see ila spa’s website, or shop products online here.

The Organic Pharmacy's easy Detox...

Detoxing inevitably conjures up images of consuming allegedly health-boosting juices, spending unhealthy sums on fruit and vegetables before fighting with a blender to process said detoxifying substances. Or avoiding all social occasions for an entire month, as nothing on the menu is included in your detox plan. Truth be told, the detox can be almost a work-out in itself, leaving you tired and dejected rather than refreshed and reinvigorated.

And even if you have managed to pass on Christmas punch and boxes of chocolates being passed round, the benefits of a detox are unquestionable; you can expect increased energy levels and alertness, improved digestion and better health – not to mention banishing those extra pounds gained over the festive period. Detoxing means flushing out those nasty toxins which have probably been making you feel groggy, tired and a little lacklustre.

The Detox Plan from the Organic Pharmacy is a simple way to cleanse and revitalise, without having to renounce the occasional cup of coffee or glass of wine. The program involves taking three capsules in the morning and a further three before bed – with each dose containing natural substances such as chlorella, apple pectin and alfalfa. You’ll also see an improvement in skin and hair health – expect a more radiant complexion and shinier hair. The new year is the perfect opportunity to turn over a new leaf and face the coming twelve months with positivity, and the Detox Plan is an effortless approach to kick-starting wellbeing and feeling more healthy in 2012.

The Organic Pharmacy Detox Plan is available to buy online here.

A failsafe cure for the dreaded hangover?

Pounding headache? Mouth like a cat’s litter tray? Feeling of self-loathing and pity? Vowing never to drink again? It must be December-over-indulgence-hangover-time. To help ease the pain here’s a selection of Europe’s best hangover cures, road-tested and rated.

Italy – Coffee

Is it surprising that Italians have the most stylish hangover cure? After a night on the tiles, a short, strong espresso is an instant pick me up.

The Verdict: The caffeine buzz is fantastic, though the crash is possibly worse than the initial hangover.

UK – Prairie Oyster

James Bond’s hangover cure of choice, the prairie oyster is made from raw egg, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco and tomato juice mixed together and downed in one.

The Verdict: If you possess the mental facilities to knock up this concoction, you are not hungover.

Ancient Greece and Rome – Deep-fried Canaries

Urban legend (i.e. the internet) has it that Romans and Greeks chowed down on deep-fried canaries when they’d over-indulged in the old vino. For those unwilling to shell out £10 for a pet shop canary, the 21st century equivalent – a three-piece chicken meal – makes an ample substitute.

The Verdict: Oh-so good at 2 a.m (isn’t everything), but as a preventative hangover measure, the effects are negligable.

Poland – Pickle Water

Perhaps discovered accidentally by a hungover fool confusing a jar of gherkins for a carton of milk.  Nonetheless, the combination of salt, sugar and water is second to none at replacing those all-so-important electrolytes.

The Verdict: The juice tastes as bad as you would imagine but the pickles are surprisingly soothing.

Scotland – Irn Bru

Anything that was banned in the US until 2002 must be good for you, right? Or maybe processing the colossal amount of sugar and colouring in a 330ml can momentarily distracts the body from its raging headache and inability to stand.

The Verdict: A pleasant alternative to cola. Goes well with crisps.

Turkey and Romania – Tripe

The mere thought of a soup made from cow intestines is enough to have those in a delicate state heading for the sick bucket but the slightly acidic pH aids digestion and it contains essential fatty acids.

The Verdict: Salty, garlicky goodness works a treat. Just try to not think about the ingredients.

Russia – Banya

The Russian take on a sauna, a warm banya comes with the added distraction of birch branches to beat your friends with. If sweating the alcohol out doesn’t work, you can up the ante by rolling around in snow or jumping into an icy river between stints in the sauna.

The Verdict: Top-notch.  Never underestimate the power restorative power of perspiring ethanol in the company of semi-naked friends.

UK and Ireland – Fry-up

Best served in a greasy café or by mum, the gut-busting British and Irish staple includes beans, eggs, hash browns, toast, mushrooms, tomatoes and as many pork products as it is possible fit on a plate, washed down with a mug of tea.

The Verdict: Scores points for flexibility to omit or add ingredients depending on what’s in the fridge/likelihood of vomiting.

And if all else fails? Try ‘hair of the dog’ in the form of a Bloody Mary!

Body sculpting essentials for svelte, smooth contours...

Bliss FatGirl Treatment Kit

Inspired by its signature, body toning spa treatment, Bliss have created a cellulite-busting kit to enable you to recreate the same benefits at home. Included are three of the brand’s most popular formulas fight to firm and diminish cellulite with the help of caffeine, a scrub to stimulate circulation and a rich overnight cream to soothe, decrease water retention and tighten skin.

Plus, you alsoreceive the most efficient hand-held body massager I have ever used, the FatGirlSlimulator, which vigorously attacks stubborn fat cells. Ideal for use on the thighs, love handles and buttocks, where circulation is lacking, simply use circular movements in the shower, to prep for your cellulite treatment.

Decléor Aromessence Sculpt Balm

If slackened skin and general loss of firmness is your primary skin concern, head straight to Decleor for natural, highly effective body sculpting. The wonder balm contains a cocktail of eight, 100% pure and natural essential oils, which help to drastically improve and maintain skin elasticity whilst correcting the appearance of stretch marks – perfect for use during or after weight loss.

The beautiful aromatic scent and velvety texture make it a luxurious treat to apply, as dry skin is comforted. Warm a small amount of the balm into palms and apply over body, concentrating particularly on problem areas. It’s also completely safe to use during pregnancy.

Liz Earle Energising Hip and Thigh Gel

The hips and thighs are notoriously difficult areas to improve and slim, so once the dreaded dimples appear, it’s time to take action with a serious skincare product. The Energising Hip and Thigh Gel by Liz Earle utilises highly stimulating plant extracts to tone and firm the skin, whilst detoxifying and revitalising the overall appearance and surface of these troublesome areas.

Ivy, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom have been carefully selected to naturally invigorate. Combined with essential oils of grapefruit, sweet orange and rosemary to uplift the senses and leave skin feeling ultra smooth. It can also be used daily, to tighten the stomach and upper arms.

Mama Mio Get Waisted Body Shaper

Specially formulated to shrink fat cells around the waist, Mama Mio’s Body Shapper diminishes those wobbly bits and boosts fat-burning,  through seven silhouette-enhancing ingredients. Derivatives of brown and red algae, alongside amino acids, break down stored fat cells and heighten micro-circulation, which also contributes to the destruction of fat.

By massaging two pumps of this clever cream into the skin for half a minute, the waist immediately feels much tighter. Use long, sweeping motions, in a clockwise direction to reduce tummy bloating and improve digestion. Free from horrid synthetic substances, you can be sure you are applying a skin-friendly formula.

NIP + FAB Cellulite Fix

To battle the appearance of orange peel on the legs and arms, NIP + FAB’s Cellulite Fix, is the answer to your worries. It really is made for the lazy girl, as you don’t even need to massage the gel into your skin, simply smooth over targeted areas, for fast action.

With three key benefit – releasing fatty acids, reducing fat deposits and improving an irregular skin surface – it’s all you need in one tube. Indian forskolin and caffeine combine to remove waste substances, which can be enhanced by dry body brushing, prior to application.

A serene, relaxing interior in the spa

You can almost feel the delicate aromas gently pulling you through the door at Aromatherapy Associates’ new Treatment Rooms and Boutique. A welcome break from the bustle of tourists and London’s well-heeled crowd outside, the spa positively embraces you with an air of warmth and well-being. So, what can you expect from one of spa’s most celebrated names? Given the location in Knightsbridge, the go-to capital for Russian oligarchs et al, the boutique is in keeping with its prestigious neighbours, presented as a luxurious yet comfortable ‘home-from-home’ that’s filled with soft furnishings and finished in rich shades of gold.

As you would expect the prices on the Spa Menu fit the local bill too with a facial costing £90 and a full body treatment amounting to £120; but if you want quality, you absolutely pay for what you get. I’m here to experience a ‘City Stress Buster’ – buzzwords that have grown in popularity as people – particularly clock watching urbanites – accept they should set aside more time for their emotional and physical wellbeing.

Sophie, my therapist, is a dream: informative and nurturing, she gets the consultation – which establishes my current emotional state – out of the way quickly. The treatment is administered with experienced hands, enough to put even the most spa-shy at ease. First she works around my head, using firm finger presses to stimulate my sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system: two areas, which control the rest-and-digest and fight or flight response respectively. The soothing effects of which continue to flourish for days after…

Next, using an oil teeming with geranium, rose and frankincense prescribed specifically for me, Sophie massages her way through tense shoulders and fatigued limbs. The oil, following aromatherapy thinking, works its magic on two levels: first through smell, and second through the absorption into the body’s system. The oozy, lustrous quality of the oils is at the heart of everything AA does and one half of the company’s founding duo, Geraldine Howard, has even installed a unique ingredients bar to help more of us understand their rich, far-reaching effects.

There might not be a steam room or sauna in sight, but the AA Treatment Rooms’ big sell is its expert sensory massages and treatments that never dip below its exceptionally high standards. It’s all about the healing power of touch, and – thanks to the natural beauty of AA’s oils – the spa is set to be one of the best places in London to power down.

For more information and to book, see the Aromatherapy Associates website.

The Aromatherapy Associates Treatment Rooms are a welcome break from the bustle of tourists in chic, upscale Knightsbridge

October is breast cancer awareness month

October is breast cancer awareness month and with breast cancer being the UK’s most common form of cancer, according to figures released by Cancer Research UK RIH have chosen to highlight the scale of this disease in the UK to coincide with the national ‘Wear It Pink’ day which helps to raise awareness about breast cancer.

Many people are unaware that breast cancer affects men can as well as women, although breast cancer in men is rare. Research shows that 300 men in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, whereas 46,000 women in the UK are diagnosed with the disease which mainly affects women over 50 years of age.

Despite incredible medical advances, over 12,000 women die of breast cancer every year in the UK and it is estimated that one in nine women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life regardless of lifestyle choices.

So, what is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and is the leading cause of death in women aged between 34 and 54 years of age.

It is a disease whereby malignant (cancerous) cells form in the breast tissue. The damage caused to the DNA of these cells result in uncontrolled cell division and growth which eventually accumulates to form a lump. The cancerous cells start to attack the surrounding breast tissue. These cells can deviate from the primary lump and spread to lymph channels or the blood stream, meaning that the cancer can spread to other organs resulting in the formation of secondary lumps (metastases).

The breast is divided into ducts and lobules. Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer which arises from the ducts. Cancers arising from the lobules are less common and are referred to as invasive lobular carcinomas. As with most cancers, the key to successful treatment is early diagnosis – before the cancer has the chance to spread to other organs.

What causes breast cancer?

The exact reasons for why women and men develop breast cancer are still unknown; however research has shown that it is an amalgamation of genetic predisposition, environmental and lifestyle factors.

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are examples of genetic predisposition. Women who carry one of these genes have a higher chance of developing breast cancer in comparison to woman who do not.

Other risk factors which can affect a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer include:

● Getting older – 80% of breast cancer cases are in postmenopausal women – it’s relatively unusual in younger women

● Having a significant family history of breast cancer, which may be associated with inherited gene mutations

● Having no children or women who have their first child later in life

● Starting your periods early or going through the menopause late

● Certain types of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for the menopause over a prolonged period

● Being overweight

● Drinking excess alcohol

Are there different types of breast cancer?

Yes, there are numerous forms of primary breast cancers, one of which is inflammatory breast cancer – a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Only 1 to 2% of breast cancers are this type. It is called inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) because the breast tissue becomes inflamed due to cancerous cells blocking the smallest lymph channels in the breast. The role of the lymph channels is to drain excess fluid away from the tissues and organs, when blocked their
primary function is reverted and as a result the breast becomes swollen, red, hard and hot to touch. Other symptoms include thickening, ridges and pitting of the skin of the breast. The nipple can become inverted and there may also be discharge from the nipple too.

How can men develop breast cancer?

As with women, ageing is one of the biggest causes of breast cancer in men, with most men being diagnosed with breast cancer between the ages of 60 and 70. However, there are other factors which attribute to the development of breast cancer in men including:

Men can be affected by breast cancer

● High oestrogen levels – At puberty both males and females produce the hormone oestrogen, which is completely normal. However, breast cancer in men has been linked to high levels of oestrogen which can occur due to genetic conditions, obesity and chronic liver conditions like Cirrhosis.

● Radiation – Men who have been exposed to high levels of radiation, particularly if they were young are more likely to develop breast cancer.

● Family history of breast cancer – especially mothers or sisters, as men too can inherit the faulty genes that cause breast cancer.

● Klinefelter’s syndrome – Men that are diagnosed with Klinefelter’s syndrome are approximately 20 times more likely to get breast cancer, than men who do not have Klinefelter’s. Klinefelter’s is a rare genetic condition where a man is born with an extra female chromosome meaning that he is XXY instead of XY.

The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the breast area.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

If you have noticed any of the following symptoms you should see your GP straight away – it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have breast cancer but it’s always safer to get it checked out.

● Lump or thickening in an area of the breast
● A change in the size or shape of a breast
● Dimpling of the breast skin
● A change in the shape of your nipple or sinking of the nipple into the breast
● Blood stained discharge from the nipple
● Rash on the nipple or the surrounding area
● Swelling or lump in your armpit

What should I do if I find a lump?

Should you find a lump or notice something abnormal about your breast you should make an appointment to see your GP. Your GP will examine you and if necessary, you will be referred to a breast specialist clinic for further tests. Via the use of an ultrasound or mammogram the specialist will be able to detect whether the lump is a fluid filled cyst or a solid lump. If it’s a solid lump the doctor will take a biopsy of the tissue to test for cancerous cells.

How can I find out more about breast cancer?

● The NHS Choices Health A-Z section features further information on the symptoms, diagnoses and treatment of breast cancer.

● Cancer Research UK has more information and statistics on breast cancer and a range of other cancers on its cancer stats page.

Or, for information on the different types of breast cancer, including diagnosis, treatment and breast health, see the Breast Cancer Care website.