General Information about Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is the most common form of Cancer in women in the UK but can also affect men, it is the abnormal growth of cells in the Breast. Usually cells replace themselves in an orderly manner with new cells being produced to replace older ones, sometimes however there is an abnormal change in the genes which regulate cell growth and production in the Breast. This can lead to too many cells being produced and building up forming a tumour.

Not all tumours are Cancerous Tumours (Malignant Tumours) they can also be Benign Tumours which pose little danger to Health. There are different types Breast Cancer cells other types include:

• Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) – often referred to as pre cancerous cells DCIS is when abnormal cells develop within the Breast Ducts but is completely confined within the duct
• Lobular Carcinoma in Situ (LCIS) – this is not Cancer but can slightly increase the risk of developing Breast Cancer later in life

Breast Cancer is usually treated with one of or a combination on the following things

• Surgery to remove the Tumour
• Surgery to remove the Breast
• Chemotherapy
• Radiotherapy
• Medication

Travel Insurance and Breast Cancer

If you have or have had Breast Cancer in the past you should always think about declaring it when taking out Travel Insurance, this would mean that not only the Breast Cancer itself (if not removed) would be covered but also any side effects would be covered.

Side effects which can occur include a lower immune system or Brittle Bones caused by Breast Cancer treatment so if you broke a bone while on holiday there is a chance it could be linked indirectly to the Breast Cancer.