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Your own doctors, nurses and others in your health care team are the only people who can tell you about your particular cancer and its treatment.
However, if you would like to read some more general information now, you may find these suggestions helpful...
Web sites, leaflets and booklets
Breast Cancer Care
This site has a wealth of information on all aspects of breast cancer.
There are on-line booklets and factsheets on such subjects as breast self-examination, tests, treatment options, side effects, breast surgery, reconstruction and prostheses, sexuality and fertility, chemotherapy drugs, practical issues, the different types of breast cancer, and male breast cancer.
You can also get information on BCC's national and regional services, news and events, as well as links to other recommended web sites.
If you would prefer printed copies of BCC information, contact the BCC helpline. In most cases these are free of charge.
CancerHelp (Cancer Research UK)
This site has lots of detailed information about breast cancer, including causes, symptoms, tests, treatments, side effects and useful organisations.
The Macmillan site covers general information, causes and diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, resources and support.
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
This section explains what DCIS is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. - Inflammatory breast cancer
This section explains what inflammatory breast cancer is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. - Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
This section explains what LCIS is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. - Paget's disease of the breast
This section explains what Paget's disease is, and how it is diagnosed and treated. - Understanding reconstruction of the breast
Explains what breast reconstruction is, and discusses the possible benefits and problems. - Breast cancer in Men
This section covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of male breast cancer. - Genetics in breast cancer
This section explains what a family history means, and what can be done about it.
The Breast Clinic
Scottish-based website developed by a surgeon. Extensive information on symptoms, self-examination, tests, screening, treatments, post-operative exercises etc. Links to many other sites.
Breakthrough Breast Cancer
You can search this website for news and articles about breast cancer topics.
Tenovus
This site has on-line versions of leaflets about breast awareness, Tamoxifen and breast cancer generally. You can download the leaflets from the site, or you can order free printed copies either via the website or by phoning the Tenovus helpline.
Database of Individual Patient Experience
Many patients find it useful to know how other people coped with this cancer. Dipex is a website which offers the opportunity to view video, hear audio and read about different patient experiences.
Cancer Index (guide to Internet resources for cancer)
You can use this to find worldwide sites on breast cancer and related subjects.
Women with breast cancer in the family
Guidelines on care, including about screening, from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). The information is for women at an increased risk from breast cancer, or who think they may be, because the disease runs in their family. Though the leaflet does not specifically refer to men, it may be relevant to some men, as male breast cancer may run in families too. It does not cover women already diagnosed. Download the pdf, or telephone the NHS Response Line 0870 155 5455 for a copy.
Breast Cancer Special
This 100-minute video covers breast examinations and mammography, diagnosis, breast reconstruction, diet, lymphoedema, relationships, complementary therapies etc. It has been produced by Hopeline Videos. You may be able to watch it at one of our Cancer Information Centres.
Try your local library or bookshop - or one of our Cancer Information Centres…
The Breast Cancer Book
Val Sampson and Debbie Fenlon, Vermilion, 2000. ISBN: 0 091856 13 2.
Written by a former breast cancer patient and her breast care nurse. Includes information on the conventional medical treatments of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as well as on the role of complementary approaches. Also has practical advice on managing your life, talking with famil, friends and children, and looking after yourself.
What you really need to know about breast cancer
Dr Rob Buckman, Marshall Publishing, 2000. ISBN: 1 840283 30 0.
This book contains chapters on breast cancer symptoms and causes, diagnosis, treatment and care, and living with cancer.
