It is the most common cancer affecting women where one in 19 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the age of 85. About 4,000 women are diagnosed each year, mostly between 35-60 years old with 40% affected below the age of 50. It is rare, but men can also develop breast cancer.
Breasts are made up of milk glands, which consist of lobules. Milk is made in lobules, and tubes called ducts take milk to the nipples. Cancer develops when cells in the breast grow out of control.
If cancer has not spread beyond the breasts, it is referred as pre-invasive breast cancer. The most common types are ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Most breast cancers are diagnosed at invasive stages which consist of several types:
•Early breast cancer: confined in the breast but may have spread to one or more lymph nodes in the armpit.
•Locally advanced breast cancer: may have spread to places near the breast (skin, muscles, and chest) but not found in other parts of the body.
•Metastatic (advanced) breast cancer: cancer cells have spread to other areas of the body like lungs, bones or liver.
What are the risks?
•Ageing.
•Previously diagnosed with breast cancer or other breast conditions like atypical ductal hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ.
•Family history where a relative from either side of the family has / had breast cancer.
•Inherited genes which do not work properly. Only 1 in 20 cases are caused by faulty genes.
What are the breast cancer symptoms?
•Change in the nipple: the shape, crusting, a sore or an ulcer, redness. Nipple turning in when it used to stick out.
•Change in the skin of the breast including a dimpling, unusual redness or other colour changes.
•Changes in shape or size.
•A lump, lumpiness or thickening.
•Unusual discharge from nipple without squeezing.
•Persistent or unusual pain that is unrelated to monthly menstruation cycle that remains after some time, occurring in one breast only.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean breast cancer. They are signs that alert you to have them checked by your doctor immediately. Symptoms of male breast cancer are similar to women’s. In some cases, symptoms may not be present and breast cancer may be found on a screening mammogram
