Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Complications of Cancer of the breast

The main complication of breast cancer is spread of the cancer to other parts of the body. Cancerous growths (tumours) that develop in other parts of the body from an original growth in the breast are called metastases or ‘secondaries’. These often occur in the following places:

• Lymph nodes in the armpits,
• Lungs,
• Bones,
• Liver,
• Brain, and
• Eyes.

Treatment for cancer is more effective when it is diagnosed early and before it has spread to other areas of the body. So it is important to get any lumps or other symptoms checked out by your GP as soon as possible.

Women who received treatment for Hodgkin’s disease at a young age have an increase chance of developing breast cancer. This is because they may have had a large dose of radiation therapy on the chest. The Department of Health has arranged for all women who have been treated since 1962, and were under 35 years of age when treated to have a consultation with a specialist.

The Department of Health Helpline is 0845 850 9850.

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