What Is It?
A cancer that starts in the cells of the breast is breast cancer. It is a malignant tumor. A group of cancer cells that can invade or spread to other parts of the body is called a malignant tumor. Cells are malignant (cancerous), when they are abnormal, growing too quickly, and do not function like normal body cells. Although men can get breast cancer, the majority is in women.
Risk Factors and What Causes It:
The cause of breast cancer is unknown, but many risk factors are known. Age plays an important role in the risk factors. In women age 55 or older, 2 out of 3 breast cancers are found, while in those 45 or younger, it is about 1 out of 8. Breast cancer may be hereditary, but that is only found in a small percentage. Certain ethnicities have a higher risk of acquiring breast cancer than others. There are many lifestyle-related factors such as having children, breastfeeding, or being overweight.
The importance of early detection and symptoms:
Some types of breast cancer can spread beyond the breast. The size of the breast cancer and whether it can spread is one of the most important parts in the diagnostics. Early detection saves thousands of lives a year. The symptoms are: a lump in the breast or under the under arm, A lump or mass the size of a pea, Nipple bleeding, Change of the shape or position of the nipple.
This article was researched and written by Capp and Emily.