Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in Northern Ireland (excluding non melanoma skin cancer). Around 1,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in Northern Ireland each year. It is expected that around one in nine women will develop breast cancer in their life.

What causes breast cancer?

The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood, but many factors increase the likelihood of developing it. Risk factors include:

age – older women are at greater risk of breast cancer, but it can affect younger women too
family history of breast cancer
being overweight
drinking alcohol
taking HRT (hormone replacement therapy)
What causes breast cancer - Nothern Ireland Cancer Network website

How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

maintain a healthy weight
drink less alcohol
do regular exercise
breastfeeding can reduce your risk of breast cancer, although women who have breastfed their children can still develop the disease
Reducing the risk of breast cancer - Northern Ireland Cancer Network website

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Changes in the breast can often be harmless and can occur during pregnancy, breastfeeding, at different times of the month if you still have periods and after the menopause. However, if you find an unusual change in your breast, it is important to get it checked out as there’s a chance it could be cancer.

Unusual changes include:

if one breast changes in size or shape
a new lump or thickening in one breast or armpit that is different to the rest of the breast
puckering, dimpling, inflammation or redness of the skin
if a nipple becomes inverted (pulled in), changes shape or points differently
rashes on or around the nipple
discharge or fluid (not milky) from one or both nipples
pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit that is not related to your periods
swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone

If you find an unusual change, tell your doctor without delay. Remember, you are not wasting anyone’s time. If it is breast cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful. On the other hand, if there is no cancer, your doctor can reassure you so that you spend less time worrying.

Breast screening

It is important to detect breast cancer as early as possible because there is a good chance of recovery if it is discovered early.

In the early stages, breast cancer may not have symptoms. This is why the Breast Screening Programme has been introduced. In Northern Ireland, if you are aged between 50 and 70, you will be offered mammograms (an x-ray of the breast) every three years. It is very important that you attend because it can detect cancer at a very early stage.

Treatment for breast cancer

Breast cancer can be treated using a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Some cases of breast cancer may also be treated using biological or hormone treatments. The exact course of treatment will be determined by your individual circumstances.

Remember, the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, the better the outcome of any treatment is likely to be.