There is no 'one disease' that occurs in the breast, there are rather several types and sub-types of disease that may be referred to as breast cancer.
Early breast cancer
Early breast cancer is cancer that is contained within the breast. It may also have spread to lymph nodes in the breast or armpit. It is also called invasive breast cancer.
Ductal carcinoma in situ
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. It starts in the milk ducts and is non-invasive because it hasn't spread into any surrounding breast tissue. DCIS isn't life-threatening, but having DCIS can increase the risk of developing an invasive breast cancer later on in life. You can find out more on our page on DCIS.
Lobular carcinoma in situ
Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) is a non-invasive breast cancer that grows in the lobules (the milk-producing glands at the end of breast ducts). It is non-invasive as it has not spread into any surrounding breast tissue. LCIS isn't life-threatening, but having LCIS can increase a woman's risk of developing invasive breast cancer later on in life.
Paget's disease of the nipple
Paget's disease of the nipple is a rare form of invasive breast cancer in which cancer cells grow in the nipple or the areola (the area around the nipple). The nipple and areola often become scaly, red, itchy, and irritated.
Inflammatory breast cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of invasive breast cancer that affects the blood vessels in the skin of the breast. It usually starts with the breast becoming red and inflamed, rather than with a lump.
As it is so rare, there is only limited information available. We recommend the Information about inflammatory breast cancer booklet, produced by Cancer Australia. This five page booklet outlines the signs and symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer, how it is diagnosed and the treatment options available.
The USA BreastCancer.org website also has a range of very clearly explained information about Inflammatory Breast Cancer. However please keep in mind that this is an American website and so not all information may be relevant to inflammatory breast cancer in Australia. You may also like to read Sandra Wilson’s personal story about her experience of being diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer you may like to join the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Group on BCNA's Online Network.
Locally advanced breast cancer
Locally advanced breast cancer is an invasive breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the breast, such as the chest wall.
Secondary breast cancer
Secondary breast cancer, also known as advanced or metastatic breast cancer, occurs when the breast cancer cells spread to other, more distant parts of the body such as the bones, liver or lungs.
Male breast cancer
Male breast cancer is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all cancers in men, and less than 1% of all breast cancers. Around 100 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in Australia every year. You can find out more on our page on male breast cancer.
More information
- The National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre website section on breast cancer has more information about the different types of breast cancer.
