In support of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we spoke with Mr Naren Basu, Consultant Oncoplastic Breast Surgeon at HCA Healthcare UK, The Harborne Hospital.

He shared his expert advice on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer to be aware of, and how breast cancer is diagnosed and treated.

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow abnormally and form a tumour or lump. Breast cancers can be either invasive or pre/non-invasive. Most invasive breast cancers begin in the breast ducts or glands and spread outside to surrounding breast tissue. Invasive cancers have the potential of travelling beyond the breast tissue to other parts of the body.
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a type of non-invasive breast cancer. It is one of the earliest types of breast cancer, where the cancer is only found in ducts. It does not have the potential to spread to other parts of the body. Advanced breast cancer, or metastatic breast cancer, is when the cancer has spread outside the breast through blood vessels and lymph vessels to another part of the body.

What are the main symptoms to look out for?

Breast cancer is most common in women over the age of 50, although can develop in younger people and, although rare, in men. It’s important to be breast aware regardless of age or gender.
The most common symptom is a lump in your breast. Other signs include changes in size or shape, changes to the skin or nipple, like dimpling or puckering, a rash around the nipple, unusual nipple discharge, or a change in appearance of one of your nipples. Some people might notice swelling and pain in their chest, breast or armpit.
The key message is to be aware of what’s normal for your body. If you notice any changes, don’t ignore them, speak to your doctor. It might not be anything concerning but the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the higher the chance of successful treatment.

How is breast cancer diagnosed?

Breast cancer is diagnosed through a combination of clinical examination, imaging and biopsy. The first step is usually a mammogram (for those 40 years and above), which is an X-ray of the breast. Sometimes we may use ultrasound to get a clearer picture. If we see anything unusual, we’ll perform a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of breast tissue for analysis. This helps us determine if the cells are cancerous, and if so, the type and grade of breast cancer.

Breast cancer screening and one stop breast clinics

Regular breast screening can find any irregularities at the earliest possible stage, before any obvious symptoms develop. We offer routine breast screening to women over the age of 40, who aren’t experiencing any symptoms and haven’t had a mammogram in the last 12 months.

You may be referred to a one-stop breast clinic if an irregularity has been found during your routine breast screening, or if you have breast cancer symptoms. At The Harborne Hospital, our one-stop breast clinics are designed to help you get quicker access to a diagnosis, with the care and support of our expert team. You will have all your initial diagnostic tests on the same day, including a consultation to talk through your symptoms, physical examination, mammogram, and an ultrasound if required. Our team will discuss the results of these tests with you at your visit. If no further tests are required, you can go home with peace of mind.

If your tests show any irregularities, we may take a biopsy, and your result will be available to discuss within days.

What treatment options are available?

Treatment varies depending on the type and stage of the disease. Surgery is often the first step and may be the only treatment required. Additional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapies may also be needed. At The Harborne Hospital our Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) of experts provide personalised treatment plans based on each individual diagnosis and personal preferences.