A 40 year old female first noticed a lump in her left breast in December 1965, but did not seek medical aid until June 1966, by which time the lump had slightly increased in size, and had occasionally been sore during periods. There had been no bleeding or discharge from the nipple. On examination, the left breast contained a hard mass under the nipple, and apparently attached to the underlying pectoral muscle. The nipple was drawn inwards, but the tumour did not adhere to the overlying skin. Several hard lymph nodes were palpable in the left axilla (armpit). A left radical mastectomy (removal of breast, pectoral muscles and axillary lymph nodes) was performed, as well as removal of lymph nodes in the left side of the chest and both ovaries. Removal of the ovaries was intended to "starve" the tumour of oestrogen, which is an important factor in the growth of many breast cancers.