Understanding Breast Cancer
1 in 8 women in Scotland will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
Breast cancer is not however a ‘women’s’ health issue. Everyone has breast tissue and people of all genders can be diagnosed with breast cancer.
A complex disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast tissue begin to grow uncontrollably, understanding breast cancer is essential for individuals and communities alike.
As individuals we need to self-advocate, to know our own bodies and ensure that you are checking your breasts on a regular basis.
If you have any concerns about changes in your body, always consult your GP or local clinician for advice.
Types of breast cancer
There are many different types of breast cancer defined by where in the breast they begin, how much they have grown or spread, and how they behave.
INVASIVE BREAST CANCER
When breast cancer is called invasive, it means it has spread into the surrounding breast tissue. The two most common types of invasive breast cancer are defined by where in the breast they begin to grow:
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) is invasive breast cancer that starts in the milk ducts, the tubes that carry milk from the lobules to the nipple.
Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is invasive breast cancer that starts in the lobules, the glands in the breast that produce milk.
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive type of invasive breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors and doesn’t have extra HER2 proteins.
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive type of invasive breast cancer.
Recurrent breast cancer is invasive breast cancer that has come back months or years after treatment. Breast cancer can recur in the same breast (local recurrence), nearby lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone (regional recurrence), or in another part of the body, (metastatic or distant recurrence).
Paget disease of the breast is a rare form of breast cancer where cancer cells collect in or around the nipple.
NON-INVASIVE BREAST CANCER
When breast cancer is called non-invasive (or in situ) it means it has not spread beyond the breast tissue where it started. Non-invasive breast cancers are also called precancers. There are two main types of non-invasive breast cancer:
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), is non-invasive breast cancer that has not spread outside the milk ducts where it started.
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), is non-invasive breast cancer that has not spread outside the lobules where it started. Despite its name, LCIS is a benign breast condition.
Feeling unsure or unsettled about this information, Breast Cancer Now has an invaluable helpline which is a great resource with incredibly friendly and knowledgeable people at the end of the line. You can call them on 0808 800 6000 on Monday - Friday, (9am-4pm) and Saturday, (9am-1pm).
Again, we can not stress this enough. If you are concerned about any potential signs or symptoms please do not hesitate to consult your GP or local nurse practitioner.