Breast cancer

Each year in Ireland, almost 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. It is more common in women over 50, but it can affect younger women too.*

Detecting cancer early

Signs and symptoms

Learn about the signs and symptoms of breast cancer. You are more likely to survive cancer if you find it at an earlier stage. 

Treatments

Treatments

There are a number of different treatments available for breast cancer. Your medical team will explain the best treatment options for you. 

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What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is when cells in your breast change and grow in an abnormal way. A group of these cancer cells can form a tumour.

Breast cancer is a common cancer in Ireland. Almost 3,600 women and approximately 30 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.*

Types of breast cancer

There are many different types of breast cancer. 

You can watch our breast cancer video to find out more

A short video about breast cancer, the signs and symptoms, types and treatments, and how to reduce your risk.

What are the breasts and what do they do?

Your breasts are made up of different types of tissue including fat, connective tissue and gland tissue. The gland tissue is divided into milk lobes and milk ducts. During and after pregnancy, milk is made and stored by the lobes and carried to the nipple by the ducts.

Cross section of a breast, showing the milk lobes and milk ducts

Your breasts are rarely the same size as each other. They may feel different at different times of the menstrual cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy just before your period. Under your skin, a ‘tail’ of breast tissue extends into your armpit (axilla).

The armpits also contain a collection of lymph nodes (glands) that make up part of the lymphatic system.

Online Breast Health Checker

What do you know about breast health?

Take this short quiz and find out more about staying healthy and the signs of breast cancer.

This is a tool provided by the Irish Cancer Society for information only it is not intended to replace a consultation with your doctor.

Risk and prevention of breast cancer

Having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer. Sometimes people with no risk factors get the disease.

Read more about risk factors and reducing your risk of breast cancer.

Early detection of breast cancer

Check your breasts and take part in the BreastCheck screening programme to help spot cancer early. If breast cancer is found early, it’s easier to treat and there’s a better chance of recovery.

National breast screening programme

Breast Cancer Image Logo

BreastCheck is the name of the national breast screening programme. It offers free breast screening to women, transgender, intersex and non-binary people age 50 to 69. You must be living in Ireland and have a PPS number.

For more information contact BreastCheck directly at Freephone 1800 45 45 55 or visit the BreastCheck website.

Note: We use gender-inclusive language. We sometimes use man/woman and male/female when they are needed to explain a person’s treatment and care – for example, talking about hormones or body parts – and when needed to describe research or statistics.

Medical content updated from our 'Understanding breast cancer' booklet (2024), reviewed by Prof Janice Walshe, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Clinical Professor, Prof Malcolm R. Kell, Consultant Surgeon and Clinical Professor, Dr Orla McCardle, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, Niamh Byrne, Breast Care Nurse and Teraze Toby, Daffodil Centre Nurse.


Continue reading about breast cancer

Read next Breast cancer signs and symptoms

Publications about breast cancer

Breast Cancer- What you should know
Breast Cancer- What you should know
Booklet 12 pages 602.86 KB
This leaflet has facts about breast cancer, how to check your breasts, signs and symptoms to look out for, and how to reduce your risk.
How to check your breasts
How to check your breasts
Poster 1 page 2.89 MB
Information on how to check your breasts. An A4 infographic to download, print, or share.
Breast cancer
Breast cancer
Booklet 77 pages 10.98 MB
Information for breast cancer patients, including tests, staging, treatment and side-effects, and how to cope.
Metastatic (secondary) breast cancer
Metastatic (secondary) breast cancer
Booklet 79 pages 10.09 MB
Information for metastatic breast cancer patients, including treatment, side-effects, and how to cope.
Breast reconstruction
Breast reconstruction
Booklet 57 pages 6.08 MB
This booklet has been written to help you learn more about breast reconstruction. It is aimed at people who have breast cancer and are considering breast reconstruction surgery.

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

Support Line

Support Line

Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Our Daffodil Centres

*The Irish Cancer Society uses the most up-to-date cancer statistics from the National Cancer Registry Ireland, available on www.ncri.ie