Panoramica

Cancro al seno is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the breasts. It can affect anyone, though it is more common in women.

Breast cancer is generally divided into two main categories: non-invasive, where the cancer cells are contained within the ducts or lobules and haven’t spread, and invasive, where the cancer has spread beyond the original site into surrounding breast tissue.

Playlist: Breast cancer types, detection and risks

6 video

Riproduzione automatica video

Are there different types of breast cancer?

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

01:04

Are there different types of breast cancer?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

00:50

Come può essere rilevato il cancro al seno?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

00:43

Qual è il test di screening per il cancro al seno?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

01:28

Come posso controllare da sola per il cancro al seno?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

00:50

Is breast cancer genetic?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

00:41

What are the risk factors for breast cancer?

Dr. Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGP

Common signs of breast cancer include a new lump in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, redness or flaky skin on the breast or nipple, nipple changes like inversion or discharge, and any unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

There are four main stages of breast cancer, from stage 1, where the cancer is small and just starting to grow, all the way to stage 4, which means the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Breast cancer treatment usually depends on the type and stage, but it often includes a combination of surgery to remove the tumour, radioterapia to target any remaining cancer cells, and chemioterapia to tackle cancer throughout the body.

Breast cancer survival rates vary depending on the stage of the cancer at diagnosis and your age. Survival rates are higher when the cancer is detected and treated in its early stages.