Breast

Breast cancer

Breast cancer affects approximately 1 in 8 women, but it can also affect men. Although it is more common in older women, the risk of developing breast cancer can be affected by family history and other lifestyle factors such as smoking and obesity.

 Types of breast cancer:

Breast cancer usually originates within the ducts, tissue or lobules of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer and are referred to as invasive or non-invasive, however, most cancers are invasive.

Invasive breast cancer

As most cancers of the breast are invasive there are different types, with some more common than others. Invasive breast cancer is cancer that has started in the ducts or the lobules of the breast and have spread to surrounding breast tissue. The most common type of invasive breast cancer is ductal, with lobular being the second most common.

Other rare types of invasive cancer are:

• Paget's disease of the breast 
• inflammatory breast cancer 

Non-invasive breast cancer

Non-invasive breast cancer is cancer that has not spread outside ducts or lobules to other parts of the breast tissue. These types of cancers are called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Non-invasive breast cancers are not usually life threating and are cancer cells at their earliest stage but do need to be treated, as they may continue to develop.

Symptoms

Symptoms of breast cancer can be different from individual to individual, but some of the most common symptoms include: 

• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Change in size or shape of one or both breasts
• Dimpled skin, like that of an orange peel
• Nipple pulled inward, or change
• Discharge from nipples

If you experience any of the above symptoms or feel a change in your breasts that isn’t normal for you, contact your GP who can refer you for further investigations.

Further information & support

Being diagnosed with breast cancer and deciding on the best treatment can be daunting, for full details on breast cancer treatment options or to discuss a diagnosis, please contact our enquiries team. Our enquiries team will endeavour to help you assess your treatment options and advise which consultants could be best placed on planning your treatment pathway.

Macmillan Cancer Support offers a wide range of information and support, as well as help with your practical, emotional, and financial needs. All telephone helplines are free and confidential, and interpreting services are also available.

Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 8.00pm) Website: www.macmillan.org.uk