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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.

You can share your experiences and thoughts with other Embarrassing Bodies site-users below. Comments & Questions are reviewed by moderators, but if you see anything on the site that worries you, please report it and one of our moderators will look at it as soon as possible.
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.

hi, I'm a 17 year old girl and I found a lump on my nipple but I wasn't sure what it might be. So I was hoping someone could help answer my question on what it might be - I wasnt sure if it was a spot or what have you because I squeezed the lump and a tiny bit of white puss came out. Sorry if this grossed anyone out, but I don't know what it might be or what to do.





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Hi I've just recently had a breast biopsy, they don't think it's anything bad but I am waiting on results, I got told it would be sore for around 2 days, but it has nearly been a week, like shooting pains, should it still hurt? and should it feel bigger? Thanks..





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hi i'm a male in my young teenage life and i have discovered a lump on my nipple. It is around the same size as my hole nipple. It hurts when i touch it hard and i'm very worried.. what shall i do? sorry i posted this earlier but gave the wrong email address





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I'm fifteen and I've just noticed a weird eczema around my nipple area. I think it started to appear a few months ago. I remember it being so itchy. Only now have I noticed that it is starting to form a scab type skin which some parts are hard enough to peel off. It's also producing a small amount of liquid. I think it was because I peeled off a bit of the scab. But I'm just wondering whether this is a sign of something and whether I should see a GP or not.





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Hi I'm 14 male and just found a size off a peas lump just below my nipple why shall I do





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i am 47 years old and have noticed a white liquid comeing out of my right breast, i havent noticed any changes in my breasts given that i think im going through the menapause as i have hot sweats at night, i have no pain and have not found any lumps do you have any ideas as to what this could be, i do have severe active crohns disease and am aware that this can sometimes present other problems but not to sure regarding this





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i have a lump on my left breast and it hurts sometimes i went to my doctor and told me its normal and i can move it a round and wen i touch it it hurtsany advise im a bit worried its got bigger and then goes and then comes bk





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I have recently been to the doctors as i have found a small pea-shaped lump in my right breast. She has told me to keep an eye on it and have to go back after my next period. Do you know what this lump could be? should i be worried?





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hi im 24 and work out i have a lump adove both my nipples like a pea size and a big chest and i work out a lot





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I am male and in the early teenage years. I have spotted a lump under my left nipple. What should I do?





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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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Important Notice

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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