Every family in Ireland knows what it feels like to get a phone call sharing a cancer diagnosis. Each year in Ireland over 3,400 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatments range from surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapies.

Fundraising for further research into new treatments remains vital.

Cathy Hannigan was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 23. This summer she raised over €8,000 for Breast Cancer Ireland, supported by many Fórsa members. This fundraiser is now closed, however, any members still willing to support the cause can do so by donating here.

Speaking about why fundraising remains vital Cathy said: “These funds go towards research to find new treatments for breast cancer. Throughout my treatments, I have been told by my doctors how much breast cancer treatments have advanced in recent years. With further research, even more new treatments can be trialled so that everyone diagnosed has a fighting chance.”

Cathy also urged people to remember the importance of self-checks, saying “Getting an early diagnosis can completely change treatment outcome.”

Early diagnosis is crucial so this month we’re sharing a Breast Health Q&A for our members, with Breast Cancer Ireland Chair Prof. Arnold Hill. 

Breast Health Q & A  with Prof. Arnold Hill, Consultant Breast Surgeon & Chair, Breast Cancer Ireland.

1. How often should I do a self-check?

You should check your breasts once a month to know what is normal for you. This will help you recognise an abnormality if one occurs. For women who are pre-menopausal, generally a week to 10 days after your period is the best time. If you are post-menopausal, just pick the same day each month. It is important for all women to check their breasts monthly from teenage years throughout adulthood, whatever your family history, age or risk status, make sure you make time for a monthly check. 
 
2. What should I look out for?

Knowing what is normal for you is the first step to recognising an abnormality. Stand in front of the mirror and look at the skin of your breasts with your hands on your hips, and then raising your hands above your head. This will help you recognise any skin changes or puckering that a lump in the breast may cause. Look for any changes to your nipples, any discharge or new inversion of a nipple. This visual inspection of your breasts is just as important as palpation your breasts and any changes should be checked by your GP. When examining your breasts, feel for any new lumps, thickened areas or swelling that is unusual for you and follow the breast self-examination video and breast cancer Ireland’s breast aware to help you with your technique of self-examination. Download the Breast Cancer Ireland App to schedule discrete monthly reminders along with a useful step-by-step simulated video.  

3. If I notice something unusual, what should I do next?

Firstly, do not panic. There are a large number of benign lumps that can occur in the breast. 9 out of 10 women I see in my practice do not have a cancer diagnosis and although breast cancer is one of the more common cancers in women, if you notice a change, this does not mean you have breast cancer. The first step is to visit your GP who will examine your breasts and decide what steps to take in next.

4. If the GP deems further investigation is required, what happens next?

If your GP feels it is necessary they will refer you to one of the 8 breast cancer centres in Ireland for further evaluation. It is important to attend one of the 8 centres as there are breast surgeons, radiologists, pathologists and nursing staff who specialise in breast care and can provide the best evidence-based care.

5. What can I expect if I’m referred for further tests?

If you are referred for further tests by your GP, you will most likely attend a triple assessment clinic in one of the 8 breast centres. In this clinic, you will be seen first by a doctor who will take a focused medical history from you and do a clinical examination. If you have a family history of breast cancer it is useful to have this information to hand, usually the type of relative and the age they were diagnosed. Where appropriate your doctor will then send you for some breast imaging, which would be a mammogram and ultrasound of the abnormal area. The radiologist may take a biopsy of this on the same day. 
 
6. Will tests differ depending on my age?  

In general, mammograms are performed on women over the age of 35. Due to the nature of younger breast tissue, abnormalities are not as easily visualised on a mammogram in younger women so an ultrasound may be performed. If you do have an abnormality your doctor may decide to do both as they complement each other when diagnosing breast disease, both benign and cancerous. 
 
7. What kind of a “wait time” could I expect for tests?

For some patients these tests are done on the same day where possible and when deemed clinically appropriate by your breast surgeon. If you don’t have your tests done on the same day, your doctor will be able to reassure you and you will be called for your mammogram in the coming weeks.
 
8. I’m very anxious at medical appointments and sometimes forget to ask questions. Am I allowed have a friend or family member attend appointments for support?

Absolutely! It is always very useful to have somebody with you to ask questions, take in the information from your doctor or nurse and to be a support at this stressful time.

9. Do you have any tips for coping while waiting for medical results or going through cancer treatment?

Waiting for results and not knowing what lies ahead in the future can be very difficult. It is important to try and continue to do the things that you like, whether it be exercise, meeting with friends or even working! Be good to yourself and use the support of family and friends around you. Your breast care nurse can also give you some information on local support groups that can help you during this difficult time.

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