South Devon Breast Screening Unit

21/10/2026

A breast cyst is a fluid collection within the lobule (milk producing gland) of the breast. It is benign (non-cancerous) and usually does not require any treatment and can go away on its own. Some breast cysts are so tiny they are only spotted during routine mammograms as an incidental finding. Larger cysts, however, can result in pain and discomfort and may require further treatment.
Learn more about breast cysts here: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/breast-lumps-and-benign-not-cancer-breast-conditions/breast-cysts

16/10/2026

Here's another random fact this Friday. There are 8 different types of ni***es. Yes, that’s right – eight! These are all normal variants.

• Protruding (Everted): The ni**le points outward and is raised a few millimetres from the ar**la

• Flat: The ni**le is even with the ar**la rather than protruding, but may become erect

• Inverted: The ni**le retracts inward toward the breast tissue. It can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired later.

• Unilateral Inverted: One ni**le is raised while the other is inverted. Inverted ni***es can be a sign of breast cancer if they happen suddenly (out of the blue), on one side only, or do not revert when stimulated

• Puffy: The ar**la and ni**le appear as a slightly raised or swollen mound, often appearing larger than the surrounding tissue.

• Bumpy: Ni***es surrounded by visible Montgomery glands, which are tiny, oil-producing glands.

• Hairy: Hairs growing around the ar**la, which is completely normal

• Supernumerary: Extra ni***es (or what look like extra ni***es) that can appear elsewhere on the chest, often appearing as small moles.

15/10/2026

Did you know that you can still have breast screening every 3 years after the age of 71 years even though you are no longer automatically invited?
If you'd like to continue with breast screening, simply make a note of your last appointment date and contact your local breast screening service to arrange your next appointment.

12/10/2026

PSA about the breast screening appointment invitations that you receive in the post📬✉️📞

09/10/2026

Here's a random fact this Friday. It is normal for one breast to be slightly larger than the other (left breast is usually slightly larger). Most asymmetry is harmless, but you should consult a GP if you notice a sudden change.

08/10/2026

Dr Hilary Jones shared his step-by-step guide to checking your breasts. It could save your life in the time it takes to get changed.

HOW TO CHECK:

Sit comfortably in front of a mirror with hands on your hips so chest muscles are relaxed.

Firstly, look at the contour of the breast to check that it matches on each side and see if there is any puckering or dimpling.

Look for any change in the ni**le such as a rash, indrawing or pulling in.

Look for any skin change all around the ni**le.

Using the fingers of your left hand to examine the right breast, walk your middle three fingers around the breast. You're feeling for any abnormal lumps or bumps or any irregularity that hasn't been there before.

Divide the breast into four quarters.

Start on the inner upper quarter, walking those fingers around the breast.

Do the same on the lower inner quarter and then across to the lower right quarter and then the upper right quarter.

Walk fingers up to the tail of the breast in the armpit.

Walk your fingers back to the ar**la around the ni**le.

Repeat steps above on the left breast, using your right hand to do so.

Dr Hilary advises that menstruating women check their breasts following their period each month. For menopausal and post-menopausal women, pick a date each month that suits you.

If you notice anything unusual, see your doctor or nurse as soon as possible. Early diagnosis could mean a better chance of successful treatment.

For a detailed video tutorial explained by Dr Hilary Jones, and modelled by a volunteer, check out the original post featured on ITVX by Lorraine Kelly's life-saving Change + Check campaign. 👉https://www.itv.com/lorraine/articles/check-your-breasts-for-the-signs-and-symptoms-of-breast-cancer

07/10/2026

The symptoms of breast cancer vary from person to person and can include one or a combination of several of the symptoms pictured below.

You may get pain in your breast or armpit with these symptoms; however, you can have these symptoms without any pain. Breast pain by itself is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

The sticker is available for download at https://www.itv.com/lorraine/articles/download-the-change-and-check-sticker

05/10/2026

At Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust’s Breast Care Unit, we are committed to making breast screening accessible for everyone. If you use a wheelchair or need extra support, the static site at Torbay Hospital has lift access, free parking, and longer appointment times if needed. We also run Saturday clinics once a month. Let’s plan your upcoming appointment to ensure that it is a safe and accessible one!

02/10/2026

🌳 Can you spot us? 🌳
There are lots of tall hedges at Dartmouth Park & Ride, so we don’t want you to miss us!
Our breast screening mobile unit is parked in the Coach Parking section. Look out for the unit when you arrive — we’ll be ready to welcome you.
If you have an appointment, we look forward to seeing you! ✨

02/10/2026

To reduce your risk of breast cancer, the World Health Organisation recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, physical activity weekly. It also recommends doing muscle-strengthening exercises at least twice a week.

Read more:

Discover how 150 mins of moderate activity per week can lower your breast cancer risk by around 20%. Get tips to build exercise into your day.