Every person has different symptoms of breast cancer, and some people don't have any signs or symptoms at all. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is an important part of breast health, and it's important to get screened
for breast cancer
regularly. Mammograms don't detect all types of breast cancer, so it's important to be aware of any changes in your breasts. The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is usually a lump or area of thickened breast tissue.A benign breast lump doesn't mean you have cancer, but certain types of lumps may slightly increase your risk. If you are suspected of having breast cancer, you will be referred to a specialized breast clinic for further tests. Computed tomography (CT) or chest x-rays and liver ultrasounds may be needed to check if the cancer has spread to the lungs or liver. There are two main methods of breast reconstruction: reconstruction with your own tissue and reconstruction with an implant.On average, you'll need one session once every three weeks for early-stage breast cancer and weekly sessions if the cancer is more advanced.
If you've been through menopause and are overweight or obese, you may have a higher risk of developing
breast cancer
. In these cancers that form in the ducts or lobes, invasive ductalcarcinoma
(IDC) or invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), the cancer spreads from the ducts or lobes to other tissues. There are several different types of breast cancer, which can develop in different parts of the breast.If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it may need more extensive removal (removal) of the lymph nodes in the armpit (under the arm). This is because younger women have denser breasts, which means that a mammogram isn't as effective as an ultrasound in diagnosing breast disease.In many cases, a mastectomy may be followed by reconstructive surgery to try to recreate a lump to replace the breast that was removed. Breast cancer can also cause a rash similar to mastitis, an infection of breast tissue that most commonly affects women who are breastfeeding.Jim Smith, who survived anaplastic pancreatic cancer for five years, belongs to a small group of people who have reached this important milestone. If the cancer was detected through the NHS Breast Screening Program, you'll have more tests done at the screening center before you're referred for treatment. The risk of developing
breast cancer
may increase slightly with the amount of estrogen the body is exposed to.If there are no obvious signs that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, you may have a mastectomy, in which your breast is removed, along with a sentinel lymph node biopsy.
