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BREAST CANCER –
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
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. We spoke to Dr Hall 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
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 the Clinic directly if you would like further
information about treatment for breast or other cancers.
Clatterbridge Private Clinic
0151 556 5391
www.clatterbridgeprivate.co.uk
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