In this episode, Cherry Healey and Dr Amir Khan talk breasts; what’s normal for you, how to check properly, and the symptoms you should never brush off. Dr Amir breaks down why breast cancer happens, the biggest risk factors (including the surprising link between body fat and oestrogen), and what to do if you find a lump, including how NHS fast-track referrals work. We also cover dense breasts, why they can make checks feel stressful, and why men need to know the signs too. Plus, your questions answered in ChatGP on cold water swimming vs sauna. We've partnered with ⁠Randox Health⁠. Take their Everyman and Everywoman health check at ⁠⁠randoxhealth.com⁠⁠ - just use the code NAN15 to save 15%. Results will arrive in just 2 hours from your sample arriving at the lab. If you’ve got a ballot place for the TCS London Marathon, there’s a brilliant way to make your run really count. Join Team Marie Curie and help bring vital end of life care to more people, whatever the illness. There’s no fundraising target and amazing support! Just search “Marie Curie London Marathon” to get started. Have a question, feedback, or want to suggest a topic? Email: [email protected] Watch & listen on YouTube, Apple and Spotify. If this helped, please like, subscribe, and share. The content of No Appointment Necessary is for general information, it's not a substitute for a personalised medical assessment. Always consider your own medical history and personal circumstances before acting on any health information. A Viral Tribe Production Developed and produced by James Carpenter & Jo Scarratt-Jones Chapters 00:00 – Breast Cancer: What Everyone Needs to Know 01:50 – Why Breast Tissue Is Prone to Cancer 05:20 – Breast Cancer Risk Factors Explained 08:20 – Alcohol, Obesity & Breast Cancer Risk 10:40 – HRT & Breast Cancer: The Truth 12:00 – Dense Breasts Explained 14:00 – Mammograms, MRI & Breast Screening 16:40 – How to Check Your Breasts (Doctor Explains) 21:00 – Breast Cancer Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore 24:20 – What Happens If You Find a Lump 27:00 – Screening Uptake, Mastectomy vs Lumpectomy 29:05 – When Should You Start Checking Your Breasts? 30:00 – Listener Question: Cold Water Swimming vs Saunas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices