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BREAST CANCER -
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BY DR ALLISON HALL, CLATTERBRIDGE PRIVATE CLINIC
Dr Allison Hall is an experienced consultant in clinical
oncology, specialising in breast cancer at Clatterbridge
Private Clinic, a purpose-build, modern centre in Wirral
which provides private cancer treatment for patients from
the region, and further afield. Here, Dr Hall talks to us about
breast cancer, what you need to know about the disease, the
signs to look out for and the latest treatment options.
Of course, no one wants to think about themselves or a family member
getting ill, but with breast cancer still the most commonly diagnosed
cancer in the UK, it’s important to not only understand the signs and
symptoms, but to also to be aware of the choices available for treatment
in the region.
Usually breast cancer patients are given the option of treatment after
a referral by their breast surgeon. At Clatterbridge Private Clinic,
patients then meet with a team of experts, including an Oncologist,
who will decide upon the most appropriate course of treatment. From
then on, patients are treated by the same small specialist team in the
same familiar environment each time, making the experience as stress
free as possible.”
What are the treatment options for breast cancer?
Breast cancer can affect both women and men. According to statistics
from cancer research, over 55,000 new cases are diagnosed in women
every year. It is rarer in men, with 389 cases per year. But although
breast cancer is common, it is also very treatable if caught early.
Improved screening procedures, wider awareness and continuing
advancements in treatment mean that survival rates are at their
highest.
Breast cancer is one of the most researched cancer types and
treatments are constantly evolving. It is no longer regarded as one
single disease, rather a number of different types. Better understanding
and advancements in areas such as precision medicine, where genetic
information is used to both diagnose a cancer and to determine
treatment, are enabling doctors to tailor treatment pathways to an
individual’s unique needs and deliver personalised cancer care.
Treatment for breast cancer usually involves surgery first, followed by
chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Modern surgical techniques mean that
the breast can be conserved or reconstructed. Many patients are given
hormonal and some biological treatment or, if suitable, enrolled on
clinical trials. Even in the unfortunate case where cancer has already
spread to other organs (secondaries), there are many treatment options
available, depending on the type of cancer and the extent to which it
has spread. At Clatterbridge Private Clinic, the treatment you receive
will be based on what is best for you and we are always looking at the
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latest treatment options. For example, by using the most up to date
radiotherapy techniques we are now able to complete all breast cancer
radiotherapy treatment within a three-week period.
What should people be aware of when it comes to breast cancer?
The earlier any cancer is diagnosed, the better the outlook for the
patient. In the UK every woman between the ages of 50 and 70 is
invited to have a mammogram every three years. However, I have
treated a number of cases of women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, so
self-examination and awareness should not only become a priority as
you get older. All women and men need to be aware of the signs and
symptoms of breast cancer, to know what is normal for them and to
seek medical help if there are any changes. The most recognised of
these is a lump in the breast or the armpit. But lumps in the neck can
also occur. Other symptoms include:
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Changes in breast size or shape
Dimpling of the skin or thickening of the breast tissue
A nipple that turns in
An eczema-like rash on the nipple
Discharge or bleeding from the nipple
Whilst you should be aware of your family medical history, contrary
to popular belief, the majority of breast cancer patients do not
actually have a family history of the disease. In fact, it is still difficult
to determine why one person develops breast cancer over another,
although there are a number of recognised risk factors. Lifestyle and
hormonal factors can have an impact, including being overweight,
high alcohol intake, physical inactivity, starting your periods early, late
menopause, not having children or having them later in life. Taking
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the contraceptive pill are
also known to increase the risk.
How can patients access private treatment with Clatterbridge
Private Clinic?
Choice is a fundamental part of any cancer treatment. If you’ve recently
been diagnosed, deciding where you want to receive your care can be a
complex process. Your consultant will help you to explain some of the
benefits private cancer care can offer. At Clatterbridge Private Clinic,
we provide private patients with rapid access to the latest treatments
and technologies – all delivered in surroundings, which have been
purposely designed to ensure patients are as comfortable and relaxed
as possible the minute they walk through the door.
Please contact us directly if you would like further information about
treatment for breast or other cancers. Clatterbridge Private Clinic, 0151
556 5391 www.clatterbridgeprivate.co.uk/