Breast Cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support

Each year, about 55,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. It is more common in women who are aged 50 and over.

Breast cancer can be invasive or non-invasive (in-situ). When people talk about breast cancer, they usually mean invasive breast cancer. This is when cancer cells have spread outside the milk ducts or lobules where they started into surrounding breast tissue.

Types of breast cancer

There are different types of breast cancer. Knowing the type you have helps your doctors decide on the best treatment for you.

Most breast cancers are invasive and there are different types. They start in the ducts or lobes of the breast and spread into surrounding breast tissue. Breast cancer that has not spread outside the lobes or ducts is called ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). It is the earliest possible form of breast cancer. It needs to be treated but is not life-threatening.

Invasive breast cancers can be grouped depending on how the cells look when they are examined under the microscope. The most common type of invasive breast cancer is ductal invasive. Invasive lobular breast cancer is a much less common type. Some other rarer types are:

  • Paget's disease of the breast – causes a red scaly rash on the skin of the nipple and is usually linked with DCIS or invasive breast cancer
  • inflammatory breast cancer – called this because the breast becomes inflamed and swollen

Useful resources

EA is committed to ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and with dignity and...
This Teachers' Maternity Leave Scheme has been updated to reflect the rules concerning...
There are a number of health campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness of...
Cancer Focus NI, Keeping Well vans are mobile drop-in units which bring health checks,...
Sometimes when faced with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy it is difficult to discuss it...
This includes: Raising awareness of depression and Aware NI services at a wide range of...
The Menopause Project is an education and research project between Informing Choices NI...
Affected by breast cancer? Join this group to share experiences and ask questions to...
We all have good and bad days but what and when we eat can influence our mood, energy,...
Cancer Focus NI can provide a wide range of presentations to meet the needs of your...
Around one in five women will experience a mental health issue during pregnancy or within...
This programme is a six week training programme for groups of adults and focuses on...
We are delighted to provide this FREE digital toolkit. Designed in partnership with the...
Support hub for mothers
Track your treatment and wellbeing
Pregnancy and guidance for after birth
Active 10 is a free and easy to use walking app that tracks your walking and shows you...
It’s an easy to follow programme known the world over, and perfect for those new to...
Guided meditations
Handle stress and anxiety on the go
Support for breast cancer
Guided meditations
The availability of free period products in public spaces has been increasing owing to...
Learn to manage negative thoughts and look at problems differently
Food diary, exercise tracker and diet coach
Your Mind Plan offers practical ideas and advice to help you boost and maintain your mental wellbeing. Answer the quick 5-question quiz and the Every Mind Matters widget will give you 5 tailored actions to help you feel more in control, improve your sleep, deal with stress and anxiety, and boost your mood – as well as the option to easily swap any actions and to save the whole plan via email.

Articles & Videos

Helplines & Web Chats

Informing Choices NI - Helpline
Royal Osteoporosis Society - Helpline
Macmillan - Forum
Macmillan - Ask an expert
Women's Aid - Forum
Association for Post-Natal Illness Helpline
Women's Aid - Domestic abuse helpline