Medicines for Breast cancer

What it is

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops in the tissue of the breast, and it is the most common cancer in women; it can also, less commonly, affect men. The risk increases with age, and other factors — such as a strong family history, certain inherited genes, and lifestyle factors — can affect risk. The most well-known symptom is a new lump or area of thickened tissue in the breast or armpit, but breast cancer can cause a range of changes, and it is important to be aware of them: a change in the size, shape, or feel of a breast; skin changes (such as dimpling, puckering, or redness); changes to the nipple (such as it becoming inverted/pulled in, a rash or crusting, or discharge, particularly if blood-stained); a lump or swelling in the armpit; and, less commonly, pain (though breast pain alone is usually not due to cancer). Most breast changes and most breast lumps are not cancer — they are often due to benign (non-cancerous) conditions — but any new or unusual change should be checked promptly, because finding breast cancer early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment. In the UK, a breast screening programme offers regular mammograms to women in a certain age range to detect cancers early, before symptoms appear. Treatment depends on the type and stage of the cancer and may include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted treatments, often in combination, and outcomes have improved considerably, with many people successfully treated — particularly when the cancer is found early. Being breast aware, attending screening when invited, and getting changes checked are the key messages.

How it is treated

Breast cancer is diagnosed and treated by specialist breast teams, and the approach depends on the type of breast cancer, its stage and characteristics, and the person’s circumstances and preferences. Assessment of a breast change usually follows a "triple assessment" — a clinical examination, imaging (a mammogram and/or ultrasound), and, if needed, a biopsy (taking a sample) — which determines whether a change is cancer and, if so, its type and features; further scans assess the stage. Treatment options include: surgery — either removing the lump and surrounding tissue (breast-conserving surgery) or the whole breast (mastectomy), often with assessment or removal of lymph nodes, and with reconstruction options available; radiotherapy; chemotherapy; hormone (endocrine) therapy for cancers that are driven by hormones; and targeted therapies for certain cancer types. These are used alone or in combination, tailored to the individual, with the aim of curing the cancer where possible and reducing the risk of it returning. Support through and after treatment, including managing side effects and follow-up, is an important part of care. Prevention and early detection are emphasised: attending breast screening (mammograms) when invited helps find cancers early; being "breast aware" — knowing what is normal for you and checking regularly — helps you notice changes; and getting any new breast change checked promptly is important, because most changes are not cancer, but early diagnosis of those that are greatly improves outcomes. Women at higher risk (for example due to a strong family history) may be offered additional screening or advice. The reassuring messages are that most breast changes are not cancer, that breast cancer treatment has improved greatly with many people successfully treated, and that early diagnosis makes a real difference — so being breast aware, attending screening, and checking changes are worthwhile.