Breast cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when abnormal cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a mass or lump. It can occur in both men and women, although it is more common in women.
Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, including the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, the lobules that produce milk, or the connective tissue that holds everything together. The most common type of breast cancer is invasive ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts and invades the surrounding breast tissue.
There are several factors that can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer, including age, gender, family history, genetic mutations, exposure to estrogen, and certain lifestyle factors. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or inversion, and skin changes such as redness or dimpling.
Breast cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of the cancer.
Regular screening, including mammography and clinical breast exams, can help detect breast cancer early when it is more easily treated.
