What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is the result of abnormal cells in the breast growing and dividing in an uncontrolled manner. This eventually results in the formation of a growth (tumour). Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK.
Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue and can be non-invasive (usually found during a routine breast screening) or invasive (the most common type of breast cancer).
Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A new lump, swelling or thickening in your breast or armpit
- A change in size, shape or feel of your breast
- Skin changes in the breast such as puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness of the skin
- Fluid leaking from the nipple in a woman who isn’t pregnant or breastfeeding
- Changes in the position or appearance of the nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
These symptoms listed above are usually caused by other medical conditions. But if you have any of them it is important to see your doctor.
Treatment Options
Treatment for breast cancer is dependent upon the stage of cancer.