Cancer, whether it’s breast cancer or another type, develops when the body’s cells behave in a way that is uncontrolled.
Breast cancer develops in the ducts or milk-producing parts of the breast. Sometimes it may be more obvious than other times. It may present as a lump, but not always – so any changes in the breast that you find should also be investigated.
Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, most commonly in the ducts or the lobules. Breast cancer develops when cells in these areas change and begin to grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way.
Unfortunately, we don’t know. There is always research taking place, but there isn’t an agreed, single cause of breast cancer. However, research has shown that there are multiple factors that increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
There are many different things that can indicate breast cancer, but it’s important to know that most breast changes aren’t due to breast cancer. This said, you should absolutely see your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the changes below, or if you feel concerned about your breast health.
The process might be different from one person to another, but remember also that most changes are not due to breast cancer. You might however need the following tests to confirm what you feel:
What is really important to remember is that recovering from any surgery takes time, and can be a difficult process – but we’re here to help.
Whether it’s a temporary prosthesis (an artificial breast) that can be used after your surgery, government reimbursement programmes to help with post-surgery care at home, or guidance on treatment for lymphoedema – we can help.
We appreciate this is challenging to navigate, so please do get in touch so we can talk you through your options.
It’s easy to get confused over a breast cancer diagnosis.The type of breast cancer is determined by the specific cells in the breast that are affected. Most breast cancers are carcinomas, which are tumors that start in the epithelial cells that line organs and tissues throughout the body.
Treatment regimes for breast cancer are dependent on a number of factors. The factors will vary according to these factors and the stage of the cancer. Each woman’s situation and cancer is different. For this reason, we caution women about comparing their treatment with that of others.
Being breast aware is part of general body awareness,
At Breast Cancer Care WA we seek to spread the message that early detection provides the best chance of successful treatment.
Different cancers have different risk factors. For example, we know that exposing skin to strong sunlight is a risk factor for developing skin cancer and that smoking is a risk factor for cancers of the lung, mouth, larynx, bladder, kidney, and several other organs.
