Breast Oncology

• What is the most common cancer in the UK?

  Breast cancer
• How many women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year?

  Around 55,500 women
• What is the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women in the UK?

  1 in 7 women
• What percentage of newly diagnosed cancers in the UK are breast cancer?

  15%
• How have breast cancer incidence rates changed since the early 1990s?

  Increased by around a sixth (18%)
• Which ethnic group has a higher risk of breast cancer?

  White women
• What age group is most likely to develop breast cancer?

  Over the age of 50
• What reproductive factors increase breast cancer risk?

  Early menarche and late menopause
• How does breastfeeding affect breast cancer rates?

  Lower rates in women who breastfeed
• What lifestyle factors are associated with breast cancer risk?

  Alcohol, smoking, and obesity
• What is the role of checkpoint genes in cell division?

  They ensure readiness for DNA replication
• What happens if tumor suppressor genes malfunction?

  Allows mutation to proceed to cancer
• What are proto-oncogenes?

  Genes involved in normal cell growth
• What can mutations in proto-oncogenes lead to?

  Uncontrolled cell growth
• What are BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?

  They are tumor suppressor genes
• What is the risk of developing breast cancer for women with faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes?

  About 70% by age 80
• What is the significance of HER2 in breast cancer?

  It promotes uncontrolled cell growth
• How are breast cancers classified?

  By type, TNM, grade, and receptors
• What is the most common type of breast cancer?

  Invasive breast cancer NST
• What characterizes non-invasive breast cancer?

  It remains within ducts or lobules
• What is Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)?

  Abnormal cells confined to ducts
• What is Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)?

  Not a cancer, increases risk
• What is the treatment for Paget's disease of the breast?

  Surgery
• What are the types of breast cancer?

  • Non-Invasive: DCIS, LCIS
  • Invasive: Invasive Breast Cancer (NST), Invasive Lobular Breast Cancer, Triple Negative Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Paget's Disease
• What are the main risk factors for breast cancer?

  • Age (over 50)
  • Reproductive history (early menarche, late menopause)
  • Genetics (BRCA1/2 mutations)
  • Lifestyle factors (alcohol, smoking, obesity)
• What are the functions of tumor suppressor genes?

  • Suppression of cell division
  • Induction of apoptosis
  • DNA damage repair
  • Inhibition of metastasis
• What are the characteristics of invasive breast cancer?

  • Grows through lining of ducts/lobules
  • Can spread to surrounding tissues
  • Classified as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma NST or Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
• What is the significance of mammography in breast cancer detection?

  • Early detection of abnormalities
  • Identifies DCIS and LCIS
  • Helps in monitoring high-risk individuals
• What are the acute and late toxicities of breast cancer treatment?

  • Acute: Skin irritation, fatigue
  • Late: Fibrosis, lymphedema
• What is the role of imaging verification in radiotherapy for breast cancer?

  • Ensures accurate targeting of treatment
  • Confirms patient positioning
  • Records treatment information
• What are the common methods for diagnosing breast cancer?

  • Mammography
  • Ultrasound
  • Biopsy
  • MRI
• What is the prognosis for breast cancer based on staging?

  • Early-stage: Higher survival rates
  • Advanced-stage: Lower survival rates
• What is the importance of clinical trials in breast cancer research?

  • Evaluate new treatments
  • Improve existing therapies
  • Enhance understanding of cancer biology
• What are the common treatment modalities for breast cancer?

  • Surgery
  • Radiotherapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Hormone therapy
  • Targeted therapies
• What is the role of patient care in radiotherapy for breast cancer?

  • Explanation of treatment
  • Consent process
  • Preparation and positioning
• What are the characteristics of inflammatory breast cancer?

  • Rare type
  • Blocks lymph channels
  • Causes redness and inflammation
• What is the significance of hormone receptors in breast cancer classification?

  • Determines treatment options
  • Influences prognosis
  • Guides targeted therapies
• What is the role of dosimetry in radiotherapy for breast cancer?

  • Determines radiation dose
  • Plans treatment fields
  • Minimizes exposure to organs at risk
• What are the common symptoms of breast cancer?

  • Lump in the breast
  • Changes in breast shape or size
  • Nipple discharge
  • Skin changes
• What is the significance of genetic testing for BRCA1/2?

  • Identifies increased cancer risk
  • Guides preventive measures
  • Informs treatment decisions