About Breast Cancer

Cancer is a common illness, with around one in three of us developing it at some point in our lives. Breast cancer develops in the milk-producing glands in the breast, or in the passages or ducts that deliver milk to the nipples. Some breast cancers may spread into the surrounding tissue, and can spread to other parts of the body.

Cancer Facts

• Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK.
• Breast cancer will affect 1 woman in 9 during her lifetime in the UK.
• Nearly 1 in 3 of all cancers in women occur in the breast.
• 80% of breast cancers occur in post-menopausal woman.
• Survival rates are improving, with around 74% of women surviving after 5 years of having breast cancer.
• Men can also get breast cancer but it is rare (around 300 cases are diagnosed each year).

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Age
The most common risk factor for breast cancer is age. The disease is rare in women under 30.

Having children
The more children a woman has, the lower her risk of breast cancer. Having children at a young age also helps to lower the risk.

Breast-feeding
Breast-feeding helps protect against the disease.

Menstruation and menopause
Starting periods at a younger than average age or having a late menopause can increase the risk of breast cancer.

HRT or the oral contraceptive pill
Taking the contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) causes a slight increase in risk. The risk gradually returns to normal after stopping taking them.

Obesity
Being overweight increases the risk of breast cancer.

Family history
Women with a family history of breast cancer are at a slightly increased risk.

Alcohol
Regularly drinking large amounts of alcohol slightly increases the risk of breast cancer.

Previous cancer
Personal history of breast cancer. Having a previous diagnosis of breast cancer increases the risk of developing a new cancer in the other breast.

Types of Treatment

There are various types of treatment available for breast cancer. If caught early many cases of the cancer can be treated successfully.

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Biological therapy

Links

My guide to Cancer Prevention
Breast Cancer factsheet
Breastcancer
Breast cancer care
Newstarget