Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. After skin cancer, it is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States. Although this type of cancer can occur in both men and women, it is far more common in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped create advances in the diagnosis and treatment. The survival rates associated with this condition have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.
There are different signs and symptoms of this type of cancer. For instance, a breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue. Also, a change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast is a sign of this type of cancer. Thirldly, it is characterized by changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling. Moreover, a newly inverted nipple may also be a sign of this cancercondition. Lastly, peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding is an indicator of this type of cancer.
It is believed that cancer occurs in the breasts when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may spread through the breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body. Most often, lumps in the breast begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. It may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules or in other cells or tissue within the breast. The risk factors of breast cancer identified by researchers include genetical make up, hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors, which may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. However, this type of cancer may also develop among people with no risk factors. Chicago style