Search Results

A public lecture hosted by UCL Faculty of Medical Sciences

Anyone can be affected by breast cancer, but it is most likely to occur in older women. Although we all need to be aware of the signs of breast cancer, it is even more important to perform regular self-checks and attend screening as we get older because of this increasing risk. Age and Breast Cancer Risk Age is one of the most significant risk factors for breast cancer. Only 1 in 5 cases of breast cancer occur before the age of 45 and the risk increases as we get older. The risk is higher for women who have been through the menopause. The chances of developing breast cancer are: 1 in 68 for women between the ages of 40 and 50 1 in 42 for women between the ages of 50 and 60 1 in 28 for women between the ages of 60 and 70 1 in 26 for women over the age of 70 However, other factors can also affect your risk of developing breast cancer. For example, women who have breastfed a baby are at slightly lower risk while those with a family history of breast cancer may be more likely to be affected. You can ask a doctor for advice on your personal risk of breast cancer if you’re worried and you should also attend breast cancer screening when your doctor recommends it. When Should You Start Breast Cancer Screening? Since the risk of breast cancer increases with age, breast cancer screening is normally offered on the basis of age. More than 2 million women are screened for breast cancer every year in the UK. You will usually be invited to have a mammogram every three years between the ages of 50 and 70. You can choose to continue having mammograms after 70. Your doctor may also recommend having a mammogram at a younger age if you are at higher risk of breast cancer, for example due to a family history of this condition. However, mammograms aren’t usually recommended for the under 50s because the risk of breast cancer is lower and the images aren’t as clear. Younger women usually have denser breast tissue, which makes it harder to detect problems using mammograms. Although mammogram screening isn’t suitable for everybody, it is important for all women to be aware of the signs of breast cancer as it can develop at any age. You should check your breasts regularly for any changes such as lumps, redness, tenderness, or discharge from the nipples. If you have any concerns then you should consult a doctor. The doctor will check your breasts and may recommend further tests if there is a risk of breast cancer. You can also get advice on performing self-checks from your doctor. Detecting breast cancer early is vital as it ensures that we have the best chances of treating it. Even though the chances of developing breast cancer increase with age, treatment can still be very effective, especially when the problem is detected early.

The long-term results of the randomised trial testing the revolutionary procedure - TARGIT-IORT were published by the British Medical Journal on 19 August 2020 Single dose radiotherapy given during lumpectomy for breast cancer (TARGIT-IORT) was found to be as good as conventional post-operative radiotherapy for most women with early breast cancer. In addition, TARGIT-IORT leads to fewer deaths from causes other than breast cancer, such as heart attacks, lung problems and other cancers. A short video explains the results Here is the press-release from University College London that explains the results https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2020/aug/single-dose-radiotherapy-effective-treating-breast-cancer The scientific summary is shown below - click on it to see the original paper on the BMJ website. Click here to download the full paper as a PDF File These results were widely reported in the media such as the lead article in the Times, London, UK, and on social networks

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with over 55,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Some of us are more likely to be affected by breast cancer than others, but there are some risk factors that we can control. Who is at Risk of Breast Cancer? Breast cancer can affect anyone, but some of us are more likely to be affected than others: Women are more likely to be affected by breast cancer than men. Breast cancer is more likely to occur in older people, with 80% of cases occurring in women over the age of 50. Most men who develop breast cancer are over 60. Women who start menstruating earlier (before age 12) or begin menopause later (after age 52) are slightly more likely to be affected. Some people have naturally denser breast tissue, which increases the chance of developing breast cancer. A family history of breast cancer can increase the risks, especially if you have a parent or sibling who was affected at a young age. If these risk factors apply to you then your chances of developing breast cancer will be higher. However, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely be affected and there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks and protect your health. Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer You can’t do anything to change your age or family medical history, but there are some other risk factors for breast cancer that you can control. Our lifestyle has a big impact on our health, including the risk of developing cancer. You can reduce the chances of developing breast cancer by: Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink as it is associated with a higher risk of cancer, including breast cancer Lose any excess weight or maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can increase the chances of developing breast cancer, especially after the menopause Get regular exercise as it will help you to manage your weight and improves your general health Avoid smoking as it can increase the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer Although a healthy lifestyle can’t eliminate the risk of breast cancer, it can reduce the chances that you will be affected. It can also reduce the risks of other types of cancer and health problems such as heart disease. Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention As well as taking steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, it is also important to ensure that any problems are spotted as soon as possible. The sooner that breast cancer is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. You should check your breasts at least once a month for any changes such as lumps, soreness, dimpled texture, or discharge from the nipples that could be signs of breast cancer. It is also important to attend breast cancer screening when invited by your doctor. You can also ask for advice if you’re concerned about your breast cancer risk, for example, due to a family history of this condition. The doctor may recommend genetic screening or preventative treatment in order to reduce the risks of breast cancer. You can also get more advice on how to reduce the risks of breast cancer by making changes to your lifestyle.

Being affected by breast cancer can be very worrying at any time, but it is particularly stressful at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the key things you need to know about breast cancer and COVID-19.

If you have previously been treated for breast cancer, you might be feeling anxious about what this coronavirus outbreak means for you. You might have questions like, “Am I higher risk?”, or “What will happen if I get the virus?”, or you may be worried for a family member or friend who has a history of breast cancer too. For up to date information please check the NHS website and https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Most importantly, if your age and other factors do not put you at a higher risk, then even if you have been treated for breast cancer with surgery, radiotherapy, or endocrine therapy, there is no suggestion that you are at a higher risk of developing severe form of COVID-19. It is possible that prior whole breast radiotherapy, which can include part of the heart and lung could theoretically pose a higher risk of complications of COVID-19, but this is not yet thought to be of concern. For more information please see Cancer Research UK. If you have found a new lump in your breast, have a suspicion of breast cancer, or you are currently being treated for breast cancer, you might be worried how the treatment would be completed. The British Association of Cancer Surgery (BASO-ACS) have prepared guidance for pragmatic management of breast cancer during the COVID-19 crisis. This is meant for health care professionals who will use it in conjunction with other guidelines, and it is available online here. What is coronavirus? COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is the disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) first known to affect humans in late 2019. Viruses work by infecting cells in your body and using human cell machinery (so to speak) to replicate themselves. In the process, they can also damage human cells. Infection with this particular coronavirus can be completely without symptoms. In most people, it causes mild symptoms, similar to that of a cold. But in a small but significant proportion of people who get infected, it can cause severe respiratory illness. It’s important to know, especially if you currently or previously have had a cancer diagnosis, how to best look after yourself during this time. Common symptoms of coronavirus Up to 25% of people infected with SARS-CoV2 do not have any symptoms Around 50% of coronavirus patients experience a fever (high temperature) Body ache A new dry or productive cough that is persistent shortness of breath dry throat, feeling lethargic, sad or weepy loss of smell (anosmia) is a newly recognized and common symptom along with change in the sensation of taste (dysgeusia) People with cancer who are more at risk of coronavirus A previous diagnosis of breast cancer does not necessarily make you more at risk of being severely ill from coronavirus, but many cancer treatments (particularly while taking chemotherapy) can have profound effects on the body’s immune system, making it weaker and not as strong when fighting viral infections. The following outlines the comprehensive list put together by Macmillan Cancer Support for all cancer patients, and if you are currently receiving treatment for breast cancer or had any of these treatments recently, you should be careful and take all precautions seriously. People who are more at risk of having a severe case of coronavirus are: Anyone currently having Anyone currently having Anyone having other treatments for their cancer which may weaken the immune system, e.g. Anyone currently having (for cancer of the lung) Anyone with cancer of the blood or bone marrow Anyone taking or who have had (in the previous six months) If you fall into a high-risk group and live in the UK you should have received a letter advising you to stay at home for 12 weeks. Following the recommended hygiene and social distancing measures It can be difficult to change your lifestyle so suddenly, and rules are changing each day. That said, if you fall into any of the above groups it is paramount that you follow these measures and take extra precautions. For example: Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm running water. Do not touch your face, mouth, and eyes. Disinfect surfaces and anything that enters your house such as groceries or online orders. 0.1% hypochlorite solution (using household bleach) is a good surface disinfectant Washing including good scrubbing with soap or diluted detergent for 20 seconds generally inactivates the virus. Avoid all contact with anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 Only leave your home for important appointments with your doctor or medical team, who can advise you on which appointments these are Ask other members of your house or close family to shop on your behalf, order online, and do the same for your prescriptions. Do not initiate or participate in any social gatherings Keep in touch with your GP if you have any concerns about your health Video or telephone consultations are now possible with your specialist Follow Prof Vaidya on twitter @jsvaidya

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in the UK, with over 55,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Some of us are more likely to be affected by breast cancer than others, but there are some risk factors that we can control. Who is at Risk of Breast Cancer? Breast cancer can affect anyone, but some of us are more likely to be affected than others: Women are more likely to be affected by breast cancer than men. Breast cancer is more likely to occur in older people, with 80% of cases occurring in women over the age of 50. Most men who develop breast cancer are over 60. Women who start menstruating earlier (before age 12) or begin menopause later (after age 52) are slightly more likely to be affected. Some people have naturally denser breast tissue, which increases the chance of developing breast cancer. A family history of breast cancer can increase the risks, especially if you have a parent or sibling who was affected at a young age. If these risk factors apply to you then your chances of developing breast cancer will be higher. However, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely be affected and there are some steps you can take to reduce the risks and protect your health. Lifestyle Factors and Breast Cancer You can’t do anything to change your age or family medical history, but there are some other risk factors for breast cancer that you can control. Our lifestyle has a big impact on our health, including the risk of developing cancer. You can reduce the chances of developing breast cancer by: Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink as it is associated with a higher risk of cancer, including breast cancer Lose any excess weight or maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight can increase the chances of developing breast cancer, especially after the menopause Get regular exercise as it will help you to manage your weight and improves your general health Avoid smoking as it can increase the risk of many types of cancer, including breast cancer Although a healthy lifestyle can’t eliminate the risk of breast cancer, it can reduce the chances that you will be affected. It can also reduce the risks of other types of cancer and health problems such as heart disease. Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention As well as taking steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, it is also important to ensure that any problems are spotted as soon as possible. The sooner that breast cancer is diagnosed, the easier it will be to treat. You should check your breasts at least once a month for any changes such as lumps, soreness, dimpled texture, or discharge from the nipples that could be signs of breast cancer. It is also important to attend breast cancer screening when invited by your doctor. You can also ask for advice if you’re concerned about your breast cancer risk, for example due to a family history of this condition. The doctor may recommend genetic screening or preventative treatment in order to reduce the risks of breast cancer. You can also get more advice on how to reduce the risks of breast cancer by making changes to your lifestyle.

Being affected by breast cancer can be very worrying at any time, but it is particularly stressful at the moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are the key things you need to know about breast cancer and COVID-19. Breast Cancer Screening and COVID-19 Cancer screening has been delayed during the COVID-19 lock down You will be invited for a screening appointment when the program can restart safely Remember that breast cancer screening is only for people without symptoms. If you have symptoms, you should get in touch with your doctor or specialist. What if I Find a Lump in My Breast During COVID-19? You should consult a doctor if you notice a lump or any other symptoms of breast cancer Online consultations can be arranged in the first instance You can still travel to attend medical appointments during the lock down, if necessary Don’t attend the appointment if you develop symptoms or have to self-isolate because another member of your household is ill or if you are asked to “Shield “ Check your breasts as usual so you can spot any changes Possible signs of breast cancer include lumps, changes in texture, discharge from the nipples, swelling, a retracted nipple, or skin dimpling , scaly or red skin on the nipple and sometimes just localized and persistent pain Breast Cancer Treatment and COVID-19 Some breast cancer treatments may be delayed to reduce the risk to your health, but this will depend on your health and the type of treatment you need If you’ve recently had treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy then you may be at higher risk from COVID-19 as your immune system can be weakened for a while Your doctor will inform you if you need to take extra precautions against COVID-19, which could include shielding yourself at home Online consultations are available if you need to talk to your doctor about your treatment or any other concern

If you have previously been treated for breast cancer, you might be feeling anxious about what this coronavirus outbreak means for you. You might have questions like, “Am I higher risk?”, or “What will happen if I get the virus?”, or you may be worried for a family member or friend who has a history of breast cancer too. For up to date information please check the NHS website and https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus Most importantly, if your age and other factors do not put you at a higher risk, then even if you have been treated for breast cancer with surgery, radiotherapy, or endocrine therapy, there is no suggestion that you are at a higher risk of developing severe form of COVID-19. It is possible that prior whole breast radiotherapy, which can include part of the heart and lung could theoretically pose a higher risk of complications of COVID-19, but this is not yet thought to be of a concern. For more information please see Cancer Research UK. If you have found a new lump in your breast, have a suspicion of breast cancer, or you are currently being treated for breast cancer, you might be worried how the treatment would be completed. The British Association of Cancer Surgery (BASO-ACS) have prepared guidance for pragmatic management of breast cancer during the COVID-19 crisis. This is meant for health care professionals who will use it in conjunction with other guidelines, and it is available online here. What is coronavirus? COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019) is the disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) first known to affect humans in late 2019. Viruses work by infecting cells in your body and using human cell machinery (so to speak) to replicate themselves. In the process they can also damage human cells. Infection with this particular coronavirus can be completely without symptoms. In most people, it causes mild symptoms, similar to that of a cold. But in a small but significant proportion of people who get infected, it can cause severe respiratory illness. It’s important to know, especially if you currently or previously have had a cancer diagnosis, how to best look after yourself during this time. Common symptoms of coronavirus Up to 25% of people infected with SARS-CoV2 do not have any symptoms Around 50% of coronavirus patients experience a fever (high temperature) Body ache A new dry or productive cough that is persistent shortness of breath dry throat, feeling lethargic, sad or weepy loss of smell (anosmia) is a newly recognised and common symptom along with change in the sensation of taste (dysgeusia) People with cancer who are more at risk of coronavirus A previous diagnosis of breast cancer does not necessarily make you more at risk of being severely ill from coronavirus, but many cancer treatments (particularly while taking chemotherapy) can have profound effects on the body’s immune system, making it weaker and not as strong when fighting viral infections. The following outlines the comprehensive list put together by Macmillan Cancer Support for all cancer patients, and if you are currently receiving treatment for breast cancer or had any of these treatments recently, you should be careful and take all precautions seriously. People who are more at risk of having a severe case of coronavirus are: Anyone currently having Anyone currently having Anyone having other treatments for their cancer which may weaken the immune system, e.g. Anyone currently having (for cancer of the lung) Anyone with cancer of the blood or bone marrow Anyone taking or who have had (in the previous six months) If you fall into a high-risk group and live in the UK you should have received a letter advising you stay at home for 12 weeks. Following the recommended hygiene and social distancing measures It can be difficult to change your lifestyle so suddenly, and rules are changing each day. That said, if you fall into any of the above groups it is paramount that you follow these measures and take extra precautions. For example: Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm running water. Do not touch your face, mouth and eyes. Disinfect surfaces and anything that enters your house such as groceries or online orders. 0.1% hypochlorite solution (using household bleach) is a good surface disinfectant Washing including good scrubbing with soap or diluted detergent for 20 seconds generally inactivates the virus. Avoid all contact with anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 Only leave your home for important appointments with your doctor or medical team, who can advise you on which appointments these are Ask other members of your house or close family to shop on your behalf, order online and do the same for your prescriptions. Do not initiate or participate in any social gatherings Keep in touch with your GP if you have any any concerns about your health Video or telephone consultations are now possible with your specialist Follow Prof Vaidya on twitter @jsvaidya