Invasive breast cancer (NST) is the most common type of breast cancer.

Invasive means the cancer cells have spread outside the ducts of the breast into the surrounding breast tissue. Invasive breast cancer has the potential to spread to other areas of the body. Treatments aim to reduce the risk of this happening.NST stands for “no special type”. It’s called “no special type” because the cancer cells have no features that class them as a special type of breast cancer when examined under a microscope. Sometimes invasive breast cancer (NST) is found mixed with other types of breast cancer

The second most common is Invasive lobular carcinoma.  A type of breast cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the milk-producing glands of the breast. These glands are called lobules.

Invasive lobular carcinoma makes up a small portion of all breast cancers. The most common type of breast cancer begins in the breast ducts. This type is called invasive ductal carcinoma.

Paget’s disease of the breast is a rare type of breast cancer that typically starts on the nipple and may extend to the surrounding areola (the dark circle of skin around the nipple). It is often mistaken for skin conditions such as eczema.  It accounts for about 1% to 4% of all breast cancer cases and is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 50, although it can occur in younger women and, rarely, in men. 

Remember: The best protection is early detection. Early detection saves lives.

Come back next week as we conclude our discussion on the types of breast cancer.