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Conditions

Breast Cancer

Microsopic slide of breast cancer cells in the lymph nodes (Photo courtesy of NCI)

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the UK. However, unbeknown to many, it is a cancer that also affects around 300 men each year as well (usually over the age of 60). Breast cancer is caused by the breasts cells multiplying and dividing too rapidly resulting in a lump or a thickened area of tissue in either breast, so it’s important to notice changes in the appearance, feel or shape of your breasts, as well as changes to the nipple, such as inversion, discharge or a rash on, or around, the nipple. Factors like: age, family history, being overweight or obese, alcohol and radiation can contribute to getting this condition. There are different types of breast cancer, but the most common is ductal breast cancer, which accounts for about 80% of all cases. Like all cancers, it’s possible for breast cancer to spread to other parts of the body if it remains untreated.

What the Men in White Coats Say

Comments and Questions

The EB doctors have been looking at your comments and have answered some of the common questions below. Remember that it is always best to check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.

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Please note: Unfortunately Channel 4 cannot respond to individual inquiries. If you have any concerns, you can check out NHS Choices, but ultimately it is always best to check with a health professional.

I'm 13 and havent started my period yet, i have light coloured nipples and a darker circle for the actual nipple bit, around my nipple is lots of res spots and i'm really scared what is it??





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Hi im 21 years old, around about 6 month ago i found a rather big lump in my left breast it hurts to touch the lump and breaks up into little balls wen i have a feel. i never got this checked out as i never really thought anything of it until i started to get a sticky type of milk come out of my nipple. help?





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hi i just turned 23 and suffer with agrophobia i av 3 small children and am very frightened to the point i can not cope with my worries last night i found a lump under my breast under the nipple of my right breast i av to press quite hard to feel it it doesnt move and seems embedded i scared to go doctors cus i carnt go out my nan lives with me to help but im to scared to tell her to please please help me!





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hi im 24 and i had a baby 8mnths ago i never breastfeed my baby and with in 2weeks all my milk had gone she is 8months now and iv notest i keep getting distarge out my left breast but i got no pain and only had 1 lump after my baby but midwife said could b milk glands im realy worried as cancer is in my family do u think it could be ??





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im 14 now, but when i was younger i noticed a small lump in my breast area but it went away as my breasts developed. but resently ive noticed it again and its a lot bigger than it was before. i have one in each breast but the one on my left is a bit smaller. they get bigger just before my period and shrink when my period is over. im scared it might be cancer but im too embarrased to go to my doctor or tell my mum. please tell me what it is or if it could be cancer.





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I had silicone implants over 10 years ago and not sure how to check them, do i check them like women without implants or not? do i ave to ask my doctor to sort out more tests, as i cannot tell if i have any lumps at all my boobs just feel really firm still 10 years on.





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I have a small marble like lump on the top of my nipple, it hurts when i press on it, i dont know if its serous or if i should just leave it. Im 15.





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Im Just turning 13 and My nipples have sore itchy patches. In my sleep I itch them and when I wake up theres some blood and the skin looks split. I told my mum and she told me to put "doublebase" cream on it. I helped a wee bit but is still really itchy and sore. It started a couple of months after my periods started but I have had my periods for about a year now. Could they of caused it? Can anyone help?





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If your boobs get swollen and sore during your period they can itch as well and you'll want to massage them so they stop hurting. If it's that, then it's fine, just put some olive oil on where it itches. The oil will moisturise and also discourage itching. It may be contact dermititis or some skin problem which may just happen to be on your chest, in which case don't use soap a lot and keep your skin moisturised.

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I am a 45year old female, and always checked my breasts, but i did'nt realise that i had to also raise my arms above my head to check them, which i did this morning for the first time, and found a small dimple under my right breast should im be concerned or could my breast have been like that all the time and this is normal for me





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im 13 and i have got two worries 1.i have got a spot next to my right breasts nipple 2. also on my right breast i have got a hard lump inside my breast at the top and i have also got a littler one on my left breast. is this normal ?





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It looks like no one else has asked this question, so please fill in the rest of your details below.





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The information provided on this website (including any NHS Choices medical information) is for use as information or for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care by a qualified doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. We do not warrant that any information included within this site will meet your health or medical requirements. This Embarrassing Bodies site does not provide any medical or diagnostic services so you should always check with a health professional if you have any concerns about your health.


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Content supplied by NHS Choices

In the UK, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women. More than 45,500 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year, usually in women over 50 who have reached menopause. However, it is possible for women of any age to get breast cancer and, in rare cases, the condition can affect men. Read More »

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