Breast Cancer

Most women diagnosed are over 50, but younger women can also develop breast cancer.

It’s vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.

Early detection gives a good chance of recovery. 

In rare cases, men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer.

BREAST CANCER IN OUR AREA

Female breast cancer is the most diagnosed and prevalent cancer across the North West,
with approximately 139 annual diagnoses per 100,000 people (according to incidence data) and a prevalence rate of more than 2,000 cases per 100,000 people.

Breast cancer is 24% more prevalent in Cheshire than the national average, a markedly significant difference compared to other North West regions.

Liverpool has the second highest rate at 8% above the average for England.

It is the fifth-highest cancer for total deaths in the North West. 

Breast cancer represents a growing challenge for North Wales, with the incidence rate for this disease at 18% above the national average.

Anglesey is the most significant outlier for this statistic, with an incidence rate 82% higher than the rest of Wales. In comparison, Denbighshire had the next highest figure at a 22% above average incidence rate. Breast cancer is the fourth most fatal type of cancer in North Wales. 

TYPES

There are several different types of breast cancer, developing in different parts of the breast.

Breast cancer often divides into either: 

• Non-invasive breast cancer (carcinoma in situ) – found in the breast ducts (ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS) which has not spread into the breast tissue surrounding the ducts. Non-invasive breast cancer is usually found during a mammogram and rarely shows as a breast lump.
• Invasive breast cancer – where the cancer cells have spread through the lining of the ducts into the surrounding breast tissue. This is the most common type of breast cancer.

Other, less common types of breast cancer include:

• invasive (and pre-invasive) lobular breast cancer
• inflammatory breast cancer
• Paget's disease of the breast

Breast cancer can spread to other body parts, usually through the blood or the axillary lymph nodes. These tiny lymphatic glands filter bacteria and cells from the mammary gland. If this happens, it's known as secondary or metastatic breast cancer. 

SYMPTOMS

Breast cancer can have many symptoms, but the first noticeable one will likely be a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.

Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor.

You should also see a GP if you notice any of these symptoms:

• a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
• discharge from either of your nipples, which may have blood in it
• a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
• dimpling on the skin
• a rash on or around your nipple
• a change in the appearance of your nipple, or it becoming sunken into your breast
• breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer

RISK FACTORS 

The exact causes of breast cancer are not fully understood, so it is hard to say why one woman may develop breast cancer and one not. However, certain factors are known to increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

Risk increases with age and if there is a family history of breast cancer. A previous breast cancer diagnosis or non-cancerous (benign) breast lump can lead to a future diagnosis. Being tall, overweight, or obese can be a contributing factor to breast cancer. Drinking alcohol also increases risk.

DIAGNOSIS

You may be diagnosed with breast cancer after noticing symptoms and visiting the GP or after a routine breast examination. If you notice any of the symptoms above, visit a GP as soon as possible. 

Your doctor may refer you to a specialist breast cancer clinic for further tests, including mammography or a breast tissue biopsy, which are examined under a microscope. 

TREATMENT

When breast cancer is detected early, it can be treated before it spreads to other body parts through a combination of radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery is usually the first type of treatment, followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy and, in some cases, targeted or hormone therapies. 

The diagnosis and the stage of cancer determine the type of treatment plan you receive. 

Most breast cancers are discovered early, but a few women find they have breast cancer after it has spread to other parts of the body. If this is the case, the treatment type used may differ. 

If you have any concerns about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, please visit your GP.