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Breast cancer

This section describes the causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated.

Quick facts

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the UK.
A breast lump is often the first symptom of breast cancer.
Breast cancer can affect men. We have a separate guide for men with breast cancer.
Treatment for breast cancer may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, drugs to block hormones or their effects on cancer cells (hormonal therapies), and a drug called Herceptin® (trastuzumab).
The type of treatment you have will depend on many factors, including the size of the tumour and whether you have had your menopause.

This information is about primary breast cancer (stages 1-3). We also have information on breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or come back after treatment (secondary breast cancer|).

Questions about cancer?

For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)

Breast cancer information in other languages

Bengali |

Gujarati |

Hindi|

Punjabi |

Urdu |

Worried about a family history of breast or ovarian cancer?

OPERA is our Online Personal Education and Risk Assessment tool, which might help if you are worried about your risk of breast or ovarian cancer.

Find out more|

Ask Macmillan

If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.

Breast cancer booklet and audio CD

You might prefer to read this information in a booklet or listen to it on an audio CD. You can order these free from be.Macmillan

Order breast cancer info|

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Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ.