OVERVIEW

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of malignant cells in breast tissue that originates in the milk ducts or lobules. Women are mostly affected by breast cancer, but men can also develop the condition.

Causes

The following factors may increase the risk of developing breast cancer:

• Genetic factors
• Previous benign breast lump
• Being over the age of 50
• Obesity
• Alcohol consumption
• Previous exposure to radiotherapy
• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

Symptoms

• Breast lump/s
• Bone pain
• Breast pain
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
• Discharge of fluid from nipple

Treatment

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

If you have any of the above symptoms, consult your general practitioner.

VIDEOS

Video: How to Prevent Breast Cancer

RESOURCES & SUPPORT

Local

New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Network NZ
Breast Cancer Aotearoa Coalition
Cancer Society of New Zealand

International

NHS – Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer UK
Break Through Breast Cancer

RESEARCH

The New Zealand Medical Journal
British Medical Journal
Journal of the American Medical Association
The Lancet

FORUMS

Breastcancer.org – Discussion Boards
Aussie Breast Cancer Forum
Breast Cancer Care – Forum

DISCLAIMER
The information above is of a general nature and is designed to provide you with an overview of the topic, with links to local and international resources that may be of interest.  We do our best to ensure that this information is accurate and up to date.

You should always, however, seek specific professional medical advice, treatment and care appropriate to you, and as such we strongly recommend you consult with your general practitioner first.

Updated April 2012
Image source: Wikipedia – Breast Cancer