What is breast cancer?

The breast is a gland that consists of breast tissue supported by connective tissue (flesh) surrounded by fat.

The easiest way to understand how the inside of the breast is formed is by comparing it to an upturned bush. Its leaves are known as lobules and they produce milk that drains into ducts that are the branches of the breast tree. These in turn drain into 12 or 15 major or large ducts which empty onto the surface of the nipple, just like the branches of a tree drain to the trunk.

Breast cancer most often involves glandular breast cells in the ducts or lobules. Most patients present with an asymptomatic lump discovered during examination or screening mammography. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy. Treatment usually includes surgical excision, often with radiation therapy and adjuvant systemic therapy.

Symptoms:

* Breast Lump
* Breast Pain
* Breast Tenderness
* Decreased Libido
* Dimpling Of Surface Of Breast
* Enlarged Lymph Nodes, Armpit
* Nipple Discharge
* Orange Peel Texture To Breast
* Pain
* Retraction Of Nipple
* Ulceration Of Breast
* Unilateral Breast Enlargement
* Unintentional Weight Loss
* Vaginal Pain
* Veins Visible On Breast
* Weight Loss

What Causes Breast Cancer?

No one knows exactly what causes breast cancer, but we do know that certain risk factors - things that increase a person's chance of getting a disease - are linked to breast cancer. Risk factors change depending on the type of cancer. There are a number of risk factors, both controllable and uncontrollable, which may increase the chances of developing breast cancer. For instance, the risk factors associated with diet can be controlled, but risk factors such as a person's age or family history can't be changed.

While all women are at risk for breast cancer, the factors listed below are associated with an increased chance of developing the disease.

How is it diagnosed?

Most cases are picked up when a woman notices a lump in her breast or through routine screening with mammography. Nine out of ten lumps aren't dangerous, but they should be checked.

Being breast aware, reporting any changes and, for women aged between 50 and 70, attending NHS mammogram screenings help to identify breast cancer early. Women with a strong family history may be offered screening before 50.

Stage and grade of your cancer

Both of these are important for helping to decide which treatments you need. The stage of your breast cancer means how far it has grown and whether it has spread. Grade means what the cancer cells look like under the microscope. Breast cancers can be

* Low grade or grade 1 (slow growing)
* Intermediate grade or grade 2
* High grade or grade 3 (fast growing)

What's the treatment?

Treatment for breast cancer includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological therapy and hormone therapy (for example, tamoxifen).

Emotional support for the individual and their family is important.