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• Ness

  

  • 81 posts
  April 17, 2011 9:48:05 AM WATime

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  The Facts

  • One in nine women in Australia will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime
  • More than half of all breast cancers in Australia are discovered by the woman herself or her own doctor
  • Early detection saves lives – the earlier a cancer is discovered, the greater the chances of successful treatment
  • Nine out of 10 breast changes are not due to cancer, but you should see your doctor to be sure
  • Breast cancer is also diagnosed in men (although the chances of this occurring are much lower than for women)

  What is Breast Cancer?

  • Cancer develops when the body’s cells behave in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer develops in the ducts or lobules of the breast. It may present as a lump but there are other breast changes that should be investigated.

  Breast Lumps

  • These lumps can be benign or malignant. Benign lumps do not spread to other parts of the body. A malignant lump is made up of cancer cells. When it first develops, this malignant tumour is confined to the breast. Most lumps are not cancerous.

  How Breast Cancer Develops

  • Breast cancer develops in either the ducts or the lobules. Lobules are where the milk is produced and ducts are where the milk travels to the nipple. Cancer cells develop when the cells lining the ducts or lobules become abnormal in size and shape and start multiplying in an uncontrolled way.

  What Causes Breast Cancer?

  • It is not possible to say what exactly causes breast cancer. However, research has shown that some factors might increase a woman’s risk or chance of developing breast cancer. These factors are called risk factors.

  Changes to look for:

  • A lump, lumpiness or thickening in the breast or armpit – especially if it is in one breast only
  • A change in the size or shape of your breast
  • Skin changes such as dimpling or redness
  • Nipple inversion or discharge
  • A change to the nipple, like a rash, ulcer or itchiness
  • An unusual or persistent pain

  See your doctor without delay if you notice any of the changes above, or if you feel concerned about your breast health.

  What Happens If There Are Breast Changes?

  Most changes are not due to breast cancer, but you might need the following tests:

  • A Clinical breast examination by your doctor
  • A mammogram and/or ultrasound
  • A fine needle biopsy or core biopsy

  The Click Project Coordinator
  

  Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!

• Ness

  

  • 81 posts
  May 4, 2011 10:55:32 AM WATime

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  Great info!

  
  

  

  The Click Project Coordinator
  

  Daughter-in-law and niece of breast cancer "thrivers"!

• cancer34

  

  • 2 posts
  January 19, 2012 4:56:26 PM WATime

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  One deadly type of cancer for women is breast cancer. Every year thousands of women die because of this disease. Breast cancer can be cured if identified at earlier stages, but after the cancer develops, it’s impossible to cure it. Care is the only cure that can save females from dying because of breast cancer.

  Breast Cancer Facts

   

   

   

   

  
  

  This post was edited by cancer34 at January 19, 2012 4:56:26 PM WATime"
• Glenys

  

  • 162 posts
  March 26, 2012 1:19:18 PM WATime

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  There are many sites available that discuss and explore breast cancer facts. For Australians, reputable sites include the Cancer Australia website:
  http://canceraustralia.nbocc.org.au
  and Cancer Council website:
  http://www.cancer.org.au/home.htm
  
  In many cases breast cancer can be successfully treated with modern techniques. Multidisciplinary Breast Services are available to ensure optimal management for each individual is made available to them. Please discuss with your doctor or breast care nurse if you have any queries.

  The Click Breast Care Nurse