Whether you are directly affected by breast cancer, or you just want to find out more, we have put together a range of resources to support you.

Breast Cancer Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is breast cancer? 

Breast cancer is when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow and divide in an uncontrolled way and eventually form a growth (tumour).

Breast cancer most commonly starts in the cells that line the milk ducts of the breast. It is the most common cancer in the UK. It mainly affects women, but men can get it too. 

What are the main symptoms of breast cancer?

Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:

• a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts
• nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
• a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
• pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer.

It's important to check your breasts regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.

Click here for separate information about the symptoms of breast cancer in men.

If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body it's called secondary breast cancer.

The symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. It can spread anywhere, but it most commonly affects the bones, liver, lungs or brain.

You may also have general symptoms including:

• feeling tired or having no energy
• loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
• feeling unwell with no clear cause
• feeling or being sick
• difficulty sleeping

Breast Cancer Now: secondary breast cancer symptoms

Breast screening

NHS breast screening uses X-rays, called mammograms, to look for cancers that are too small to see or feel. Anyone registered with a GP as female will be invited for NHS breast screening every 3 years between the ages of 50 and 71. You'll get a letter in the post inviting you. You need to be registered with a GP surgery to be invited for breast screening.

You'll automatically get your first invite for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53. Then you'll be invited every 3 years until you turn 71.

If you're a trans man, trans woman or are non-binary you may be invited automatically, or you may need to talk to your GP surgery or call the local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.

Find out more about breast screening here

 Additional resources

Macmillan breast cancer support

Cancer research: breast resources and support organisations

Coppafeel: a youth-focused breast cancer awareness charity

Breast Cancer Now: research and support charity