Beverley Callard, 69, has stated that she is "quite badly burnt" after completing radiotherapy as part of her breast cancer treatment. The Coronation Street star provided this health update recently.
Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with over 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK, resulting in approximately 11,500 deaths. In the United States, the disease affects around 266,000 individuals each year, claiming the lives of 40,000.
Breast cancer originates from cancerous cells developing in the ducts or lobules of the breast. If these cells spread into surrounding tissue, it is termed 'invasive' breast cancer. 'Carcinoma in situ' describes cases where cancer cells have not grown 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 breast cancer. The staging of breast cancer, from Stage 1 (earliest) to Stage 4 (most advanced), indicates the size of the tumor and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells are also graded based on their growth rate, with high-grade cancers being more likely to recur after treatment.
The exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, but it is believed to involve damage or alterations to specific genes within a cell, leading to abnormal, uncontrolled multiplication. While some cases develop without a clear reason, risk factors such as genetics can increase a person's susceptibility.
A common initial symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump, though most breast lumps are benign. Swelling or a lump in the armpit can indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Diagnosis typically begins with a physical examination and may include a mammogram, a specialized X-ray to detect potential tumors. A biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined under a microscope, is used to confirm or rule out cancer. Further tests, such as blood tests, ultrasounds, or chest X-rays, may be conducted to determine if the cancer has spread.
Treatment options for breast cancer often involve a combination of approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormone therapy. Surgery may involve removing part or all of the affected breast, depending on the tumor's size. Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to kill cancer cells or stop their growth, often used in conjunction with surgery. Chemotherapy employs anti-cancer drugs to combat cancer cells, while hormone treatments aim to reduce the levels of hormones like estrogen that can fuel cancer cell growth, or block their effects.
Treatment success is generally best when breast cancer is diagnosed and treated in its early stages, before it has spread. Early-stage surgical removal of a tumor offers a good chance of a cure. Routine mammography screening for women aged 50 to 71 has contributed to earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancers.