The Surgery - 200 Osborne Road - 0191 2814777
www.thesurgery.org 21st May 2013

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the most common cancer responsible for killing women. 1 in 12 British women will at some stage in their life develop breast cancer.

What is it?
  Cancer begins when cells change and increase in number, often to form a lump. If the cancer is not removed or controlled, the abnormal cells can spread and may eventually cause death. Most breast lumps are benign, which means they are non-cancerous and are usually harmless.
Breast cancer generally arises in the cells that line the specialised breast tissue. Most arise from the milk ducts - ductal cancers - while a small number arise in the milk sacs - lobular cancers. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph glands, the bones and to other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is not just one single disease. There are several types of breast cancer. It can be found at an early or advanced stage of development. It can grow very slowly or very rapidly, or somewhere in between. It can be sensitive or insensitive to some or all of the treatments available.

Causes
  The cause of breast cancer is unknown.
Genetic factors may result in some families having a higher risk than others, but this is uncommon.

Risk factors
 
  • Age - The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age. Over 70% of breast cancers occur in women over 50.
  • Family history - Only 5 to 10% of breast cancers may be linked to family history, however women who have a relative who has had breast cancer may face an increased risk of developing the disease. However, at least nine out of ten women who get breast cancer do not have a family history.
  • There is a higher risk of breast cancer in women who drink alcohol.
  • There may also be a link with high levels of fat in the diet, and obesity.

Seek medical advice
  Seek advice from your healthcare professional if...
  • a lump in your breast or armpit
  • a lumpy area or thickening anywhere in the breast that feels different from the rest of the breast tissue
  • enlarged glands under either armpit
  • bloodstained nipple discharge
  • any marked change of appearance in a nipple, such as the nipple 'pulling in' or a rash around the nipple
  • differences in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling
  • a change in the size or shape of one breast
  • swelling, thickening or persistent pain in either breast that feels different from pre-menstrual tenderness
  • swelling of the upper arm

Recommended web sites
 

Everything you want to know about breast cancer

Provided by Cancer Research UK

Breast Cancer Care

The UK's leading charity for breast cancer support and information

Cancer Backup

Up-to-date information, practical advice and support for cancer sufferers and their families

Breakthrough Breast Cancer

A leading UK charity for breast cancer support
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