Breast Cancer

What is cancer?

Cancer, a condition of abnormal cell growth, is the second most common cause of death in developed countries. Normal cell growth is a carefully regulated process. Cancer cells replicate in an uncontrolled manner, and and can move from one part of the body to another.

For more information, see What is Cancer?

Anatomy of the breast

The breasts are specialised organs located on the anterior chest wall. The female breast is more developed than the male breast, as their primary function is to produce milk for an infant's nutrition. It is important for women to understand the normal anatomy and function of their breasts so that any abnormalities can be detected and treated.

For more information, see Anatomy of the Breast.

Animation: Breast cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant neoplasm of the mammary gland. It is one of the most common causes of cancer fatality in women.

Watch an animation about breast cancer.

Types of breast cancer

Carcinoma of the breast

Breast diseases such as breast cancer predominantly affect women. This is because male breasts are more rudimentary than female breasts, making them more resistant to cancer. Early breast cancer refers to Stage I, and some Stage II, cancers only. 15–30% of breast cancers are non-invasive.

For more information, see Carcinoma of the Breast.

Pre-invasive ductal carcinoma (DCIS)

Pre-invasive ductal carcinoma, also called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), affects the ducts of the breast. Cancer cells in DCIS have not yet penetrated the epithelial lining (basement membrane) of the ducts. DCIS is an early form of breast cancer.

For more information, see Pre-Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (DCIS).

Pre-invasive lobular carcinoma (LCIS)

Pre-invasive lobular carcinoma, also called lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), affects the lobules of the breast. Cancer cells in LCIS have not yet spread beyond the lining of the lobule. LCIS is an early form of breast cancer.

For more information, see Pre-Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (LCIS).

Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)

Invasive ductal carcinoma has developed the ability to spread beyond the ducts of the breast. Women with DCIS are at higher risk of developing invasive ductal carcinoma.

For more information, see Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC).

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)

Invasive lobular carcinoma has developed the ability to spread beyond the lobules ducts of the breast. Invasive lobular carcinoma is more likely to be bilateral (involving both breasts) or multicentric (more than one distinct tumour within the same breast) than ductal carcinomas.

For more information, see Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC).

Inflammatory carcinoma of the breast

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer, in which the skin of the breast becomes red, inflamed and pitted in appearance.

For more information, see Inflammatory Carcinoma of the Breast.

Metastatic breast cancer

Once breast cancer has developed the ability to grow and spread throughout the breast, there is a risk that it will metastasise (spread) to lymph nodes or other organs in the body.

For more information, see Metastatic Breast Cancer.

Breast pain

Some degree of breast pain is felt in virtually all women across their developmental lifespan. Breast changes are common for women throughout life. It is important to evaluate breast pain to determine whether the pain is due to normal physiological and hormone changes or due to a more serious condition, such as breast cancer.

For more information, see Breast Pain.

Breast cancer investigations

Cancer screening

A screening test is any investigative method that can be applied to a seemingly healthy patient for the purposes of diagnosing underlying conditions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed. The purpose of such a test is to allow for treatment of these conditions to be started as soon as possible, leading to better outcomes.

For more information, see Cancer Screening.

Early detection of breast cancer

The early detection of breast cancer in women is important for the effective management of the disease. Early detection methods for breast cancer include screening mammography, clinical breast examination (carried out by a trained health professional) and breast awareness.

For more information, see Early Detection of Breast Cancer.

Breast imaging (mammography)

A mammography is an x-ray of the breast, used to evaluate and diagnose conditions such as cancer. In Australia, it is recommended that all women over 50 years of age have a screening mammogram every two years.

For more information, see Breast Imaging (Mammography).

Core biopsy

A core biopsy is a procedure where a needle is passed through the skin to take a sample of tissue from a mass or lump. It may be performed when a suspicious lump is found, for example a breast lump or enlarged lymph node, or if an abnormality is detected on an imaging test such as x-ray, ultrasound or mammography.

For more information, see Core Biopsy.

Pathology testing for breast cancer

In a patient with a suspicious abnormality on physical examination or mammogram, the best way to arrive at a diagnosis is through a biopsy. Pathology testing allows the cancer to be graded, and determines whether the cancer is invasive or non-invasive.

For more information, see Pathology Testing for Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer treatments

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to the use of cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of cancer. Tumour cells are more sensitive than normal cells to chemotherapeutic drugs because they are rapidly dividing cells. Chemotherapy treatment disrupts the cell cycle in an attempt to stop cell division or cause the cell to die.

For more information, see Chemotherapy.

Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is the use of ionising radiation in the treatment of cancer and is based on the ability of radiation to interact with the atoms and molecules of tumour cells to produce specific harmful biological effects. Radiation tends to damage cancer cells more than normal cells.

For more information, see Radiotherapy.

Breast conserving surgery

Breast conserving surgery is a type of surgical treatment for early breast cancer. It refers to the removal of the breast tumour only, leaving the rest of the breast intact. Breast conserving surgery is a safe alternative to mastectomy for some women with early breast cancer.

For more information, see Breast Conserving Surgery.

Mastectomy

A mastectomy is a type of surgical treatment for breast cancer that removes the whole breast. Mastectomy is often used when a breast tumour is too large to allow removal with preservation of the surrounding breast tissue. Some women choose mastectomy over breast conserving surgery to avoid the need for radiotherapy.

For more information, see Mastectomy.

Biological therapy

Biological therapy, also called biotherapy, is considered the fourth arm of cancer treatment (after surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Biological therapy encompasses a variety of anti-cancer treatments. As opposed to cytotoxic agents, biological agents act indirectly to assist in tumour killing.

For more information, see Biological Therapy.

Sexuality following breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can have lasting physical and emotional effects on a woman and her family. The issue of sexuality following breast cancer treatment is often neglected, but can have a significant impact on a woman's quality of life.

For more information, see Sexuality Following Breast Cancer Treatment.

Breast cancer videos

Menopause and breast cancer

Professor Christobel Saunders talks about managing menopause symptoms after breast cancer.

Watch the video Menopause and Breast Cancer.

Patient experience videos

Breast cancer: Diagnosis

Speaking from experience:
Patients share how they found out that they had breast cancer.

Watch the video Breast Cancer: Diagnosis. (© Realtime Health)

Breast cancer: Surgery and treatment

Speaking from experience:
Patients share their experiences of undergoing surgery and treatment for breast cancer.

Watch the video Breast Cancer: Surgery and Treatment. (© Realtime Health)

Supportive care

Breast Cancer Foundation of WA

Founded in 2000 by Ros Worthington OAM, the Breast Cancer Foundation of Western Australia Inc (BCFWA) is a WA charity that provides personalised emotional, practical and financial support to people affected by breast cancer. This includes carers and family, who have their own challenges and needs through the experience.

For more information, see Breast Cancer Foundation of WA.