What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease that first develops in the breast tissue. Cancer cells may spread from the breast into the lymph nodes under the arm and then around the body.

When breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it is called secondary breast cancer.

How breast screening helps with early detection

Many women detect breast cancer themselves when they find a lump in their breast. However, breast cancer screening with regular mammograms is the most effective way to detect abnormalities and detect breast cancer early, even before other symptoms are apparent.

In the UK, the NHS breast screening programme offers mammography screening every three years to women aged 50 and over.

Routine breast cancer screening ends at 71, but you can still have regular mammograms after that age by arrangement with your local breast screening unit.

What is a screening mammogram?

A screening mammogram is an X-ray of your breasts to check breast health and identify abnormalities which may lead to an early breast cancer diagnosis.

At least two X-rays will be taken of each breast. One from top to bottom and one from side to side to ensure that images of the entire breast and all the breast tissue are captured.

What happens if a mammogram detects a problem in the breast?

If an abnormality is discovered, then women are referred for further evaluation, and a breast biopsy may be performed. A biopsy is a procedure to remove breast tissue for analysis and to detect breast cancer cells if they are present.

Why early detection saves lives

Breast cancer survival rates are far higher for women diagnosed when their cancer is at an early stage.

Once a diagnosis has been made, the stage and grade of the tumour are evaluated, and a treatment plan is decided upon. Early detection of breast cancer ensures that more treatment options are available.

Effective treatment for breast cancer may include surgery – lumpectomy or mastectomy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and other targeted drug treatments.

Treatment options for early-stage breast cancer are less invasive, sometimes allowing for more limited surgical intervention.

Breast awareness

It is essential for women to be breast aware and to check their breasts regularly for lumps, but there are often other subtle breast changes that may indicate issues with breast health.

Other signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

  • Dimpling of the skin on the breast
  • An increase in the size of one breast
  • Sudden inversion of the nipples or a change in the appearance of one nipple
  • Nipple discharge not associated with lactation
  • Skin changes, itchiness or rashes on the breast
  • A lump or swelling in the armpit

Most of the above will turn out to be benign changes, but women should never dismiss them as insignificant, as the benefits of early detection far outweigh the inconvenience of visiting the doctor.

Risk factors for breast cancer

Several factors put women at an increased risk of breast cancer.

  • Age – most breast cancers are diagnosed in women in the over-50 age group
  • Inherited genetic mutations – certain gene changes, such as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, cause an increased risk of breast cancer.
  • Family history – even without the presence of a recognised genetic mutation, a strong family history of breast cancer could increase your risk.
  • Dense breast tissue – dense breast tissue is a risk factor for the development of breast cancer, but also makes early detection more difficult.
  • Reproductive history – having your first baby after age 30 may increase your risk.
  • Menstrual history – women who start their periods at the age of 12 and start the menopause after the age of 55 are exposed to hormones for longer than average, which may increase the risk of cancer developing.

If you have these risk factors, it does not mean that you will inevitably develop breast cancer, but it may mean that extra vigilance around breast awareness and monitoring for early detection is more important for you than for other women.

For example, routine screening is available for women in the over-50 age group because women in that age range are at increased risk.

If you are concerned about a family history of breast cancer, you can speak to your doctor about extra monitoring and genetic counselling.

Protecting your own breast health

The chances of developing breast cancer are increased by the above factors that are largely out of your control. However, other behaviours and lifestyle choices may reduce your potential risk of breast cancer.

These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Being physically active
  • Drinking alcohol in moderation
  • Performing breast self-exams regularly

Most importantly, women should take advantage of the possibility of early detection with mammography by accepting breast screening invitations.

Early detection saves lives

The research is clear that early detection leads to the most successful treatment outcomes and increases mortality. Being breast aware and taking advantage of the monitoring offered by health professionals will help to protect your health.

How we can help

Birmingham Breast Group provides advice on breast health and offers diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

You can read more about our services here.