Breast cancer in women

Symptoms of breast cancer in women include a lump or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit, and changes in the look or feel of the breast or nipple.

In women, things that make you more likely to get breast cancer include being over 50, dense breast tissue, a faulty gene or high hormone levels.

Drinking less alcohol, not smoking and losing weight can lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

The main tests for breast cancer include a breast examination, a breast X-ray (mammogram), an ultrasound and taking a small sample of cells (biopsy).

Surgery is usually the main treatment for breast cancer. You may also have radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted medicines.

Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:

• a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts
• nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
• a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)

You may get pain in your breast or armpit with these symptoms. But you can have these symptoms without any pain.

Breast pain by itself is not usually a symptom of breast cancer.

It's important to check your breasts regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.

• you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• you have any changes in your breasts or nipples that are not normal for you
• you have pain in your breast or armpit, and there are other people in your family who've had breast cancer or ovarian cancer

Anyone can get breast cancer and it's not always clear what causes it.

You might be more likely to get it if you:

• are over 50
• have dense breast tissue
• have other people in your family who've had breast or ovarian cancer – you may have inherited a faulty gene, such as a faulty BRCA gene
• have certain breast conditions, such as benign breast disease, ductal carcinoma in situ or lobular carcinoma in situ

You may also be more likely to get breast cancer if you have higher levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone or testosterone. This may be more likely if you:

• started your periods before you were 12, or went through the menopause after you turned 55
• have not given birth, or gave birth for the first time after 30
• did not breastfeed your children
• have used the contraceptive pill in the last 10 years, or take hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – these only slightly increase your risk and for many people the benefits of taking them outweigh the risks

Many breast cancers are also linked to lifestyle, such as smoking.

You cannot always prevent breast cancer, but going for breast screening (mammogram) when you are invited can help find cancers that are too small to see or feel.

There are also things you can do to lower your chance of getting breast cancer.

• try to cut down on alcohol and avoid drinking more than 14 units a week

• try to lose weight if you are overweight

• try to quit smoking

• talk to your GP if you are worried about the affect the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy may have on your risk of breast cancer

You may be referred to a breast clinic if a GP thinks you have possible breast cancer symptoms that need investigating, or if you've had a breast screening which showed abnormal results.

At the breast clinic, you will have more tests and scans to check for breast cancer or other breast conditions. These may include:

• an examination of your breasts
• a breast X-ray (mammogram)
• an ultrasound of your breasts
• taking a small sample of cells (biopsy), usually using a needle, to test for breast cancer and look for certain proteins in the breast cancer cells (which can help decide which treatments are best)

You may not need all these tests. But you will usually have all the tests you need in 1 visit at the breast clinic.

The treatment you'll have for breast cancer depends on:

• the size and type of breast cancer you have
• where it is
• if it has spread to other parts of your body
• your general health

The main treatment for breast cancer in women and people with breasts is usually surgery. Other common treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, treatment with hormones (hormone therapy), and targeted medicines and immunotherapy.

The specialist care team looking after you will:

• explain the treatments, benefits and side effects
• work with you to create a treatment plan that is best for you
• talk to you about how treatment may affect you, for instance if there are any side effects

You'll have regular check-ups during and after any treatments. You may also have tests and scans.

If you have any symptoms or side effects that you are worried about, talk to your specialists. You do not need to wait for your next check-up.

If you have breast cancer, your specialist treatment team will be there to support you throughout your treatment. They will also be able to give you information about local support services you may find helpful.

There are also national cancer charities that can offer support and information about breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Now

Information and support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

• Website: https://breastcancernow.org
• Helpline: 0808 800 6000
• Breast Cancer Now: online support services
• Breast Cancer Now: support for you
• Breast Cancer Now: forum

Macmillan

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.macmillan.org.uk
• Helpline: 0808 808 00 00
• Macmillan Cancer Support: support line service
• Macmillan Cancer Support: online breast cancer forum
• Macmillan Cancer Support: find local support services

Cancer Research UK

Information and support for anyone affected by cancer.

• Website: www.cancerresearchuk.org
• Nurse helpline: 0808 800 4040
• Cancer Research UK: ask a nurse service
• Cancer Research UK: online cancer chat forum
• Cancer Research UK: find a clinical trial service

Marie Curie

Care and support for anyone affected by terminal illness.

• Website: www.mariecurie.org.uk
• Helpline: 0800 090 2309
• Marie Curie: support services