Resources and Patient Groups

Home Page: http://www.breastcancercare.org.uk/

Breast Cancer Care is one of the UK's leading providers of information, practical assistance and emotional support for anyone affected by breast cancer.

Home Page: http://www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/

Home Page: http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/

Cancerbackup are one of Europe's leading cancer information charities, with over 4,500 pages of up-to-date cancer information, practical advice and support for cancer patients, their families and carers.

Home Page: http://www.bupa.co.uk/
Condition Info: http://hcd2.bupa.co.uk/fact_sheets/html/breast_cancer.html

BUPA is the leading provider of private healthcare insurance, hospitals and healthcare services in the UK. Their website offers free online health information from trusted medical experts.

Their breast cancer factsheet explains exactly how the breasts work, how cancer can develop within the fatty tissue and lobes of the lymphatic system. "Secondary" tumours and metastasis are covered along with invasive, non-invasive and lobular carcinoma. Symptoms, causes and diagnosis are dealt with - along with methods of treatment (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, etc).

Home Page: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/
Condition Info: http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?articleId=76

NHS Direct Online is a website providing comprehensive health advice for people living in England - and is supported by a 24-hour helpline.

Here you will find out at what age breast cancer can strike along with the symptoms to watch out for: blood-stained discharge, solid lumps, change in breast shape, etc. They also look at the causes and also explain how a diagnosis is usually carried out (x-ray, mammogram, biopsy, etc). The different treatments available are also discussed - including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, surgery, monoclonal antibody therapy, etc.

Home Page: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/
Condition Info: http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/womens_health/issues_breastcancer1.shtml

BBC Health offers a complete A-Z illness listing, with related articles and guides plus a messageboard where users can share their experiences.

The BBC discuss the symptoms of breast cancer along with the causes and how there is a possibility that the condition may be genetic. They explain how a doctor will make a diagnosis using an ultrasound, a mammogram, an x-ray, blood test or possibly a needle biopsy. The different treatments available are discussed - including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tamoxifen or even a mastectomy. They also offer links to further related content within the BBC

Home Page: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/
Condition Info: http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/cancerandresearch/cancers/breast/

Cancer Research UK is the world"s leading charity dedicated to research on the causes, treatment and prevention of cancer. Their vision is to conquer cancer through world-class research, aiming to control the disease within two generations.

Their information on breast cancer covers risks and causes (having children, menstruation, breastfeeding, the contraceptive pill, bodyweight, alcohol, family history) as well as the signs and symptoms (lumps or thickening, redness, changes in size). They also cover NHS screening and the different treatments available - including mammograms, CT or MRI scanning and a biopsy.

Home Page: http://www.mamashealth.com/default.asp
Condition Info: http://www.mamashealth.com/cancer/breastcancer.asp

MamasHealth.com is a US website aimed at providing clear, simple and straightforward information about health and wellbeing.

Here you will find out what breast cancer is and how to look out for the symptoms. You will also find out about the four different stages of breast cancer (characterised mainly by the measurements of developing tumours) and how doctors will diagnose the condition. They also discuss breast cancer in men and discuss the different preventative treatments available (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy).

Home Page: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/
Condition Info: http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/breastcancer.htm

NetDoctor.co.uk is a collaboration between committed doctors, healthcare professionals and patients in the UK. Their website aims to break down the "medical language barrier" between doctor and patient and offers a large online encyclopaedia of diseases and related medicines.

Here, breast cancer is explained in detail - you can find out how cancer can develop from the cells that line the breast, the breast lobules and draining ducts. You will also learn the difference between non-invasive ("in-situ") and invasive breast cancer, how common the condition is, who is at risk, what the symptoms are, how it is diagnosed and where to go for further help.

Home Page: http://www.breastcancer.org/
Condition Info: http://www.breastcancer.org/ubc_intro.html

BreastCancer.Org is a non-profit organisation dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete and up-to-date information about breast cancer.

Here you will find such topics as: genetics, environmental factors, breast cancer risk, your immune system, lymphedema, reconstruction, screening and testing, male breast cancer, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, lymph nodes, research and more. Although based in the US, there is a wealth of information here for everybody.

Home Page: http://www.oncolink.org/types/
Condition Info: http://www.oncolink.org/types/article.cfm?c=3&s=5&ss=33&id=8320

OncoLink was founded by cancer specialists with a mission to help cancer patients, families, healthcare professionals and the general public get accurate cancer-related information at no charge.

Breast cancer is thoroughly explained at OncoLink - they take an in-depth look at how the breasts are constructed, how tumours can form within them and who is most at risk. They discuss the steps you can take in order to prevent the illness and also the different screening tests that are available. Diagnosis, x-rays and mammograms are all considered, as well as the different stages of "carcinoma in situ".

Home Page: http://www.cancer.gov/
Condition Info: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/breast

The National Cancer Institute conducts and supports research, training, health information and other programs with respect to the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of cancer.

There is a great deal of useful information to be found here. Topics covered include diagnosis, symptoms, testing, treatment, follow-up care, nutrition and more. The specifics of breast cancer are dealt with in an easily accessible way (offering explanations of nodes, lymph vessels, lobules, etc) and links to further sources of information are offered.

Home Page: http://www.patienthealthuk.net/
Condition Info: http://www.patienthealthuk.net/article/508511.aspx

Patient Health UK offer valuable information aimed at both patients and carers on a wide range of diseases and condition - as well as treatment options and interactive learning tutorials to help you understand how a disease develops.

Their site explains what breast cancer is, who is likely to get it, how serious it is, how long it can last, how it is treated and more. One of the best aspects of their site is an interactive tutorial where users are guided through an online course explaining breast cancer in more detail. They also offer a useful glossary of medical terms plus tips on the different medicines available.