Breast Cancer Flashcards
What is the breast made up of?
• Glandular + connective tissues
• Fat
• ducts
Younger women have more glandular tissue then fat vise versa for older women
How does cancer spread?
Lymph nodes collect waste products which they drain in lymph vessels - here tumours can collect
What are the causes of breast cancer? 
• exposure and duration to oestrogens
• Family history
• Exposure to radiation
What is the gene for breast cancer?
BRAC1
What agent is used for chemophrophylaxis of breast cancer in menopausal women?
Anastrozole
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
• breast lump
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Nipple changes or discharge
• any unexplained changes in skin shape or size of breast
Who is automatically invited for a free monogram every three years? 
Women registered with a GP between the ages of 50-72 years
Consequences of breast screening? 
• radiation exposure
• Pain
• Psychological stress
• Over diagnosis
Diagnosis and investigations
•Mammography
•clinical examination
•ultrasonography - preferred in younger women as it is not invasive
How are the stages of a tumour classified? 
TMN Classification
T = tumour scale - 0-4
M = metastases scale - 0-1
N = lymph nodes - 0-3
The states patients while being before the start of treatment
What does surgery depend on?
• The stage of the disease
• If it much is < 5 cm it can be removed
• if tumour > 5 cm mastectomy is preferred
What is the recommended for advanced breast cancer in older women?
Hormonal therapy
What is recommended for younger women with advanced breast cancer
•neoadjuvant chemo - reduce size of tumour
• followed by surgery and radiotherapy
Treatment for metastatic (advanced) breast cancer? 
In older women:
• hormonal therapy - Tamoxifen
In younger women:
• oestrogen from ovaries
• removal of ovaries 
Triple negative breast cancer
Responds to chemotherapy with Cisplatin in combo with PARP
PARB inhibitors end in - parib (Olaparib
