What is breast cancer and how common is it?

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells grow in an uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells can invade the surrounding tissue and may spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst women and likely to become the most common cancer overall. 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It also affects a small number of men each year. Fortunately, breast cancer treatments are continuously evolving and becoming more effective. The prognosis of breast cancer is quite good, with 91% of breast cancer patients surviving at least 5 years.

Am I at risk of breast cancer?

As a woman, during your lifetime, there are many factors that can influence your risk of breast cancer. Risk factors for breast cancer can include personal factors, family history and genetic factors, hormonal and lifestyle factors. Some of the factors are modifiable (they can be changed), such as lifestyle factors and medication use.  It is known that keeping a healthy weight, reducing alcohol intake and undertaking regular physical activity can reduce your risk of breast cancer. Unfortunately, other factors cannot be changed, such as age, gender and family history. Having one of more risk factors for breast cancer does not necessarily mean that you will develop breast cancer. At your appointment, Dr Bell will perform a detailed assessment of your breast cancer risk and discuss this with you. If applicable, Dr Bell will recommend a tailored screening program and discuss options to reduce your breast cancer risk.

How can breast cancer be detected?

Breast cancer generally presents in one of two ways, symptomatic or via screening. The diagnosis will be made by conventional breast imaging (mammogram/ultrasound) and a biopsy. Occasionally, specialised scans (such as MRI scans) are required to help with the diagnosis.

Breast cancer screening

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer can present with a number of different breast symptoms.

• The most common presentation is the finding of a new breast lump

• Other presenting symptoms include:

  • a new thickening or ridge

  • a change in size or shape of the breast

  • skin changes, such as dimpling or redness

  • nipple changes including:

    • new nipple inversion

    • change of the nipple skin (crusting or redness)

    • nipple discharge

  • unusual unilateral breast pain (uncommon presentation)

In rare cases, breast cancer will be detected when it has already spread to other organs (metastatic breast cancer). The symptoms depend on what part of the body is affected (most commonly bone, liver, lungs or brain).