Beverley Callard, 69, has shared an update on her health following treatment for breast cancer, revealing she is "quite badly burnt" from radiotherapy. The Coronation Street star completed her course of radiation therapy and is now dealing with the aftermath.
Breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with over 55,000 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK and approximately 266,000 in the US. The disease claims the lives of around 11,500 women in the UK and 40,000 in the US each year. It originates from cancerous cells developing in the breast's ducts or lobules. When these cells spread into surrounding tissue, it is termed 'invasive' breast cancer. Some individuals are diagnosed with 'carcinoma in situ,' where cancer cells have not grown beyond the duct or lobule.
While most cases occur in individuals over 50, younger women can also be affected, and breast cancer can rarely develop in men. The stage of cancer, ranging from Stage 1 (earliest) to Stage 4 (spread to another part of the body), and its grade, from slow-growing (low) to fast-growing (high), help determine the prognosis and treatment approach. High-grade cancers have a higher likelihood of recurrence.
The exact cause of breast cancer remains unclear, but it is believed that damage or alterations to certain genes within a cell can lead to abnormal, uncontrolled multiplication. While it can occur without an apparent reason, risk factors such as genetics can increase the likelihood of developing the disease.
A common initial symptom of breast cancer is a painless lump, although 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 clinical breast and armpit examination, often followed by a mammogram, a specialized X-ray. A biopsy, where a tissue sample is examined under a microscope, is used to confirm or rule out cancer.
If breast cancer is confirmed, further tests such as blood tests, liver ultrasounds, or chest X-rays may be performed to check for metastasis. Treatment options 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 beams to kill cancer cells or inhibit their multiplication, typically used alongside surgery. Chemotherapy employs anti-cancer drugs, and hormone treatments aim to reduce the levels of hormones like estrogen that can fuel cancer cell growth.
The success of treatment is closely linked to the stage at which the cancer is diagnosed. Early detection when the tumor is small and has not spread offers the best outlook, with surgical removal in early stages potentially leading to a cure. Routine mammography screening for women aged 50 to 71 has contributed to earlier diagnosis and treatment of breast cancers.