Breast Cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells become abnormal by growing and multiplying out of control, and forming a tumour. Breast cancer originates in the ducts of the breast (which carry milk from the lobules to the nipple) or in the lobules (small lobes of the breast that produce milk), and can be classified as either non-invasive or invasive.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast, but not all lumps are cancerous. The most important thing is to be aware of any changes in your breasts. Watch for:
- Breast lumps or swelling – anywhere in the breast or underarm area
- Nipple discharge – clear or bloody
- Changes in the nipple – indentation, retraction, itching or burning sensations
- Changes in the breast’s skin – flattening or indentation, dimpling, creasing, redness, scaliness or pitting of the skin
- Change in breast size – change in the contour or symmetry of the breast
If you notice any of the above irregularities, see your doctor immediately.
How is breast cancer treated?
Treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of the breast cancer, whether nearby lymph nodes contain cancer cells, and how the cancer cells look under the microscope. Treatment usually includes surgery to remove the cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used.
Are all breast cancers life-threatening?
No. However, most cancers will grow if left untreated. Some breast cancers detected by screening may never cause any harm, but it is not possible to tell which cancers will (or will not) turn into a life-threatening cancer in the future.