About Breast Cancer
What is Breast Cancer?
Classification
Luminal A: The most common subtype and represents 50% – 60% of all breast cancers.
Luminal B: Hormone-receptor positive (estrogen-receptor and/or progesterone-receptor positive Luminal B), and either HER2 positive or HER2 negative.
Triple-Negative: Cancer that tests negative for:
- estrogen receptors
- progesterone receptors
- HER2 protein
About 10 – 20% of breast cancers are triple-negative breast cancers.
Incidence & Survival rates
Breast cancer is the third most common cancer in NZ and accounts for more than 600 deaths each year (MoH). In 2016 there were 3323 cases registered. 96.8 cases per 100,000.
80% of people with breast cancer survive 80% 10 years or more.
Signs and Symptoms
- Unexplained breast lump with or without pain
- Nipple discharge – blood stained or translucent
- Nipple retraction
- Skin changes – nodularity, thickening, tethering, peau d’orange
- Unexplained lump in the axilla
Potential Risk Factors
- Age
- Prolonged HRT
- Contraceptive pill
- Family history – BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 carrier
More information
Find more information on Breast cancer
