Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, but it can also affect men. It occurs when cells in the breast grow abnormally, forming a tumour or lump.

Breast cancer is not a single disease. There are many types and subtypes. There are two main types of breast cancer: non-invasive and invasive.

Non-invasive breast cancer

In non-invasive breast cancer, also called carcinoma in situ, the cells look like cancer cells but have not spread to nearby tissues. The main types of non-invasive breast cancer are:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): abnormal cells in the breast ducts (a tube in the breast that carries milk from the breast lobules to the nipple – also called milk ducts)
• Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): abnormal cells in the breast lobules (a gland that makes milk)

Although this type of breast cancer is not invasive cancer and is not life-threatening, having this type increases the chance of developing invasive breast cancer in the future.

Invasive breast cancer

Once breast cancers have spread beyond their initial site of origin, whether in the breast ducts or lobules, they are categorised as invasive or infiltrating cancers. This designation indicates their capability to infiltrate blood and lymphatic vessels, potentially leading to metastasis and spreading to other areas of the body.

There are two main types are of invasive breast cancer: invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma.

Less common types of invasive breast cancer include: Paget’s disease of the nipple; inflammatory breast cancer; medullary carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and papillary carcinoma. 

If the cancer spreads (metastasises) beyond the breast to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic breast cancer, or advanced breast cancer.

Disclosure: The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice.  Consult a qualified medical professional or your healthcare provider if your are seeking medical advice.

Support

Discovering you, or a member of your whānau, is facing breast cancer can be really hard. A diagnosis of breast cancer can result in a range of mixed reactions and life challenges.

Cancer affects everyone differently. That’s why Canteen provides a wide range of free support services to help rangatahi manage the specific challenges they’re dealing with. Canteen services and events can help you find ways to cope with what life looks like now you are facing these unexpected challenges.

You can talk to one of our specialist clinical team about the impacts of cancer on your life. This can be either in person, over the phone, or online. Rangatahi can also connect online 24/7 with peers who understand what you’re going through.

For more support and information on breast cancer, we also recommend reaching out to the Breast Cancer Foundation team, or your Adolescent & Young Adult (AYA) key worker at your hospital.