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Embarrassing Bodies , 9:00pm Friday 19th March 2010 on Channel 4. Catch up for free »

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

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i am 30 years old male and for a few years now my right nipple area is slightly bigger than the other one and when pressure is applied in feels like i am being stabbed with a needle, been doctors and was told it was not cancer but it is very uncomfortable. some days it is very annoying, doc said it may be a hormone in balance but i am very worried now PLEASE HELP





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hy im 17 and for about 2 years i've had a white discharge cameing from my inverted nipples. i've had inverted nipples for as long as i can remeber so that dont bother me, but the discharge goes hard and flaky and im cleaning them up to 3times a day on bad days but then i get days were there nothing, if i could get some help on sorting it out i'd be really grateful?





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I asked a question earlier but really would love to chat with Dr Yannis Alexandrides over my breast cancer as i 've tryed to bring myself to under go surgery ive had as lumpectomy, after having chemothorpy to shrink my tumour i've also had rdiothorpy and been a year on herceptin i'm now taking tomoxifen i was told they didn't get a clear margin but just cant bring myself to under go more surgery, i don.t wnt to die but don't know which wqy to turn as i haven't seen a good recontruction to push me forward . i have been fighting this for 3 yrs 5 month please help me.





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i am 13 years old and i am scared about my boobs, i can feel lumps. i not know if it is because they are growing and i am very scared. is it weird for it to have lumps and to feel things in my boob ???





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Hi, i'm 17 and have been getting quite worried recently- One of my breasts can get really itchy sometimes, like around the nipple area. Sometimes i have to itch so hard that i have even made scabs :S Any help?





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i am 21 year old female and have recenly noticed lots of small spots on both of my areolas they are not painful but are slightly itchy, is this anything to worry about





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hi, im 16 and my boobs are different to normal boobs, it's as if I don't have any nipples! what is wrong with me?





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hi, i'm really worried because i dont seem to have 'propper' nipples and i dont know whats wrong with me. Is this something serious?





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Hi iam 48year old woman i had breast cancer 5years ago & had a mastectomy. which i got over very well. But iam now getting a lot of sharp pains.It starts under my arm then gos across my scare.Its so bad at times i have to stop what im doing untill it gos.Have talked to GP but not much help!!thank you she





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I have been getting pains in my breasts when i lie on my side in bed. I felt and around and i felt a few lumps and so i went to the doctor to get checked out and he told me it wasn't cancer. I am also on the pill and i don't know if that has something to do with it but the lumps are always there weather being coming onto my period or not and i don't know what it is. Do you have any idea.





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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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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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