Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin growing abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do. The accumulating cells form a tumor that may spread (metastasize) through your breast, to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Doctors call this type of breast cancer invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer may also begin in the lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or cells within the breast.
Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
- Unusual discharge from the nipple that may contain blood
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
- Inverted nipple
- Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin
- The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. It may have ridges or pitting so that it looks like the skin of an orange
Causes of Breast Cancer
The exact cause of breast cancer is not known however it is now believed that breast cancer is caused by a complex combination of your genetic makeup and your environment. A family history of breast cancer will increase your risk for developing this disease.
A number of inherited defective genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most common are breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2), both of which increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.
In addition, the risk of developing breast cancer increases with increasing age, being female, a personal history of breast cancer, and being obese.