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What is Lobular Breast Cancer?

Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC) begins in the milk-producing glands of the breast rather than the ducts. It is the second most common breast cancer, accounting for roughly 15% of cases (around 8,400 UK diagnoses annually, or 22 per day) compared to Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at 80%. While most cases occur in women, men can also develop the disease.

Biologically, lobular cells lack E-cadherin, the protein that allows cancer cells to cluster into a lump. Instead, ILC grows in single-file lines or individual cells, making it much harder to detect on standard mammograms. This often leads to later diagnoses and larger tumour sizes. Although short-term survival rates are higher than for ductal cancer, this trend reverses after about seven years due to a higher risk of late recurrence.

Despite these differences, lobular cancer is still treated largely the same as ductal cancer across detection, treatment, and surveillance. However, its distinct biology warrants type-specific protocols.

Lobular Breast Cancer UK

To address these challenges, the charity Lobular Breast Cancer UK (LBCUK) brings together patients, advocates, scientists, family members, friends, and volunteers united by a common goal: to change the landscape for Lobular Breast Cancer in the UK. Together, they work to raise knowledge and understanding of the disease, advocate for more research into this distinct condition, and provide patients with the tools needed to advocate for themselves. Additionally, LBCUK works to ensure earlier and more accurate detection and campaigns to change national treatment guidelines so that lobular is recognised and treated as a distinct disease.