What is breast cancer?

A form of breast cancer occurs when the breast tissue is affected. One in seven UK women is affected by breast cancer. It can be fatal.

When does breast cancer begin?

Breast cancer is when certain breast cells grow abnormally, according to doctors. These cells grow faster than normal cells and accumulate more cells, creating a mass or lump. Metastasize cells can spread from your breast to other parts of the body or your lymph nodes. Breast cancer occurs when breast cells grow out of control. There are many types.

Breast cancer can start in different parts. The breast is composed of three major parts: the lobules and ducts. Connective tissue makes up the rest. The glands that make milk are called lobules. The Connective tissue is a combination of fibrous and fatty tissue.

Breast cancer can spread beyond the breast via blood vessels and lymph nodes.

Different symptoms can be seen in other people with breast cancer. Some people don’t have any symptoms.

These are some warning signs that breast cancer is possible

 

A new lump under the armpit or in the breast.

Swelling or thickening of a portion of the breast.

Breast skin irritation or dimpling.

Flaky or redder skin around the breasts or in the nipple region.

Other than breast milk, there are other types of nipple discharges, such as blood.

Any changes in the shape or size of the breasts. Any discomfort or pain in the breasts.

Call your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms.

What is a Normal Breast?

There is no typical breast.  Many women feel their breasts are uneven or lumpy. Your breast appearance and feeling can be affected by having children, getting your period, changing your weight, or taking certain medications. Your breasts will change as you age. More information is available on the Breast Conditions and Changes page at the National Cancer Institute.

What do Lumps in my Breasts Mean?

Breast lumps can be caused by many conditions, including cancer. Breast lumps can be caused by other medical conditions. Cysts and fibrocystic are the most common causes of breast lumps. Fibrocystic conditions can cause non-cancerous changes to the breasts that can leave them tender, lumpy, and sore. Cysts can form in the breasts as small, fluid-filled sacs.

Your risk factors include your age and being a woman.

Women over 50 are more likely to develop breast cancer.

It can occur in women even if they have no other risk factors. A risk factor does NOT guarantee that you will get breast cancer. Not all risk factors are equal. While most women have risk factors for breast cancer, the majority of women don’t get it. Talk to your doctor if you are at high risk for breast cancer.

There are many ways to treat breast cancer. It all depends on the type of breast cancer and its spread. Patients with Breast cancer often receive more than one type of treatment.

• Surgery. A procedure where doctors remove cancerous tissue.
• Cancer treatment. Uses particular medicines to shrink and kill cancer cells. You can take pills or have medicines delivered through your veins. Sometimes, both.
• Hormonal therapy. It prevents cancer cells from getting the hormones that they need.
• Biological Therapy. Helps your body fight cancer cells and to manage side effects from other treatments.
• Radiation therapy. Uses high-energy radiation (similar to X-rays) in order to kill cancer cells.

Surgeons can be doctors who perform surgery. Radiation oncologists treat cancer using radiation.

You can find more information at the National Cancer Institute’s Treatment Option Overview for Breast Cancer. It also has information that will help you locate healthcare services.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials test new treatments to determine if they work. For more information, visit the following sites.

• NIH Clinical Research Trials and You (National Institutes of Health).
• Learn about Clinical Trials (National Cancer Institute).
• Search for Clinical Trials (National Cancer Institute).
• ClinicalTrials.gov (National Institutes of Health).

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Alternative and complementary medicine is medicines and practices that aren’t standard for treating cancer.

What Treatment is Right for You?

It can be difficult to choose the right treatment for you. Talk to your doctor about the options for you depending on your stage and type of cancer. Your doctor will explain all side effects and the risks of each treatment. Side effects refer to how your body reacts when you take drugs or receive other treatments.