BRE
Description of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide, after skin cancer. Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast grow uncontrollably and form a lump or mass. These cells can invade other parts of the breast and spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes and other organs.
Types of Breast Cancer
There are several different types of breast cancer, which can be classified based on the type of breast cell they originate from:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Cancer that starts in the milk ducts but has not spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
- Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): The most common type of breast cancer, which starts in the milk ducts and has spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and has spread to the surrounding breast tissue.
- Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC): A rare and aggressive type of breast cancer that causes the breast to become inflamed and swollen.
- Paget's disease of the breast: A rare type of breast cancer that starts in the nipple and spreads to the surrounding breast tissue.
Associated Diseases
Certain genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Other factors that can increase the risk of breast cancer include:
- Family history of breast cancer: Women with a close relative (mother, sister, daughter) who has had breast cancer are at increased risk.
- Age: The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
- Dense breast tissue: Breasts with a higher proportion of dense tissue (instead of fatty tissue) are more likely to develop cancer.
- Obesity: Women who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of breast cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Long-term use of HRT can increase the risk of breast cancer.
- Alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol consumption can increase the risk of breast cancer.
Did you Know ?
- In the United States, about 1 in 8 women (approximately 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
