CANCER OF THE BREAST – INTRODUCTION
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women.
A fifth of all cancers in women develop in the breast. Eventually one woman in 20 will develop breast cancer and in Australia 1600 women will die each year from it.
The cause of breast cancer is unknown.
Cancer of the breast is rare in men and also in women under 25. Its incidence is greatest in the age group 40 to 50. It is more common in the unmarried and the less fertile — just the opposite of the next commonest female cancer, that of the cervix or neck of the womb.
‘As with all cancers, the earlier it is found and treated the better the results.
Regular palpation or feeling the breasts can detect lumps, which can be further checked to see if they are cancerous.
The doctor should regularly feel his women patients’ breasts, but the woman can be taught to do this herself.
Not all lumps turn out to be cancer, but I believe a doctor should be consulted about any lump in the breast.
Biopsy is best carried out by frozen section. The lump is removed, then snap-frozen using carbon dioxide snow, cut into thin sections and examined under the microscope. An experienced pathologist can give an accurate opinion within minutes and if cancer is present the surgeon can go ahead and do the proper operation.
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