Actress Beverley Callard, 69, has been referred to a stomach specialist for additional tests as she continues her battle with breast cancer. Callard, known for her role in Coronation Street, revealed the development as she provides updates on her health journey.
Breast cancer originates from cancerous cells developing in the ducts or lobules of the breast. When these cells spread into surrounding tissue, it is classified as 'invasive'. Some diagnoses are 'carcinoma in situ', where cancer cells have not extended beyond the duct or lobule. While most cases occur in women over 50, younger women can also be affected, and in rare instances, men can develop the disease. The staging of breast cancer, from Stage 1 to Stage 4, indicates the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Cancerous cells are graded based on their growth rate, from slow-growing (low grade) to fast-growing (high grade), with high-grade cancers having a higher likelihood of recurrence.
The exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, though it is thought to involve damage or alteration to specific genes within a cell, leading to uncontrolled multiplication. While some cases develop without an apparent reason, risk factors such as genetics can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
Common symptoms include a painless lump in the breast, though many lumps are benign. Swelling or a lump in the armpit may indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Diagnosis typically involves an initial assessment by a doctor, which may include a mammogram, a specialized X-ray of breast tissue. A biopsy, where a small tissue sample is examined under a microscope, can confirm or rule out cancer. Further tests like blood tests, ultrasounds, or chest X-rays may be necessary to determine if the cancer has spread.
Treatment options for breast cancer can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy, often used in combination. Surgery may involve breast-conserving procedures or the removal of the affected breast. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, primarily used alongside surgery. Chemotherapy employs anti-cancer drugs to combat the disease. Hormone treatments aim to reduce the levels of hormones like estrogen, which can fuel certain types of breast cancer, or block their effects.
Treatment outcomes are generally better for those diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is small and has not spread. Routine mammography screening for women aged 50 to 71 contributes to earlier diagnosis and treatment. For further information and support, resources like breastcancernow.org and its helpline are available.