Breast cancer

1. What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells in the breast.

2. What causes breast cancer?

There are several factors that can increase the risk of developing breast cancer that include:

• If you are female.

• Getting older - increasing age is one of the strongest risk factors for developing breast cancer. More than two in three cases of breast cancer occur in women aged between 40 and 69 years.

• If you have a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.

3. Can young women get breast cancer?

Though it's true that the disease is more common in postmenopausal women, breast cancer can affect people of any age. In fact, women under 50 account for 25 per cent of all breast-cancer cases. Also, younger women tend to have denser breasts, which makes it harder to spot lumps during mammograms. It's a good idea to examine your breasts monthly from age 20. If you have a family history of breast cancer, speak to your doctor about your options.

4. What are the different types of breast cancers?

* Early breast cancer - Cancer cells are found in the breast and may have spread to lymph nodes in the armpit.

• Locally advanced breast cancer - The cancer has spread to places near the breast, such as the chest (including the skin, muscles and bones of the chest), but it isn't found in other areas of the body.

• Metastatic breast cancer - Cancer cells have spread from the breast to other areas of the body, such as the bones, liver or lungs. This is also called advanced breast cancer.

5. What are the signs of breast cancer?

You may notice a change in your breast or your doctor may find an unusual breast change during a physical examination. Signs to look for include:

• A lump, lumpiness or thickening of the breast.

• A change in shape, crusting, a sore or ulcer, redness or inversion of the nipple.

• Unusual discharge from the nipple.

• Changes in size or shape of the breast.

• Usual and persistent pain that is not related to the normal monthly cycle and occurs in only one breast.

6. How can I reduce my risk of breast cancer?

While most of us can do little to change the general risk factors for developing breast cancer, there are some important things to that can reduce your risk:

• Maintain a healthy body weight. Being overweight or obese increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly for women who have been through menopause.

• Be physically active. Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.

• Limit or avoid drinking alcohol. About 1 in 8 breast cancers may be attributable to alcohol consumption.

• Don’t smoke. There is no clear link between smoking and breast cancer, but toxins from cigarettes have been found in breast cells.

• Eat well. A healthy diet, of at least five serves of vegetables and two serves of fruit a day, may help to reduce your risk of cancer.

7. How common is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Australia. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. About 13,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every year in Australia.

8. How often should I get checked for cancer?

*A cancer-related check-up is recommended every three years between the ages of 20 and 40 and every year for people over 40.

• Women aged 50 and older are encouraged to have a mammogram every two years to screen for breast cancer.

• Breast Screen NSW promotes free two-yearly breast screening to women aged from 50 to 69, the group that benefits most from screening. Women from 40 to 49, and women 70 and over can also have a free breast screen if they want it. It's not available to women under 40, the group with the lowest risk.

9. How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Several tests are usually done to find out if your breast cancer change is due to breast cancer:

• Physical examination – your doctor will check your breasts and lymph nodes under your arms. They will also look into your medical and family history.

• Mammogram – a low-dose x-ray of the breast tissue.

• Ultrasound – a painless scan that uses sound waves to create a picture of your body.

• Biopsy – where a small amount of tissue is removed from your breast and checked by a pathologist.

10. How is breast cancer treated?

Treatment for early breast cancer aims to remove the cancer and reduce the risk of the cancer spreading or coming back. It includes surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies. Usually more than one treatment is used.

For more information on breast cancer, visit The National Breast Cancer Foundation Australia or Cancer Council NSW

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