Breast cancer is cancer that forms in breast tissue. It commonly arises in the ducts or lobules, the tubes and glands in the breast associated with milk production and transport. It can be diagnosed in both men and women, but is mainly diagnosed in women.
Significance
The National Cancer Institute estimates that in 2009, there will be 192,370 new diagnoses of breast cancer in women and 1,910 new diagnoses in men in the United States. This same year, more than 40,000 women and 440 men will die of the disease.
Risk Factors
Older age, a personal or family history of the disease, certain genetic mutations, being overweight or obese, heavy alcohol use, and lack of physical activity can all be risk factors for developing breast cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Symptoms
Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump or thickening in the breast, redness or inflammation of the breast, an inverted nipple, discharge or bleeding from the nipple, or skin dimpling or puckering, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Types
There are various types of breast cancer, both noninvasive and invasive. They include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), inflammatory breast cancer, infiltrating/invasive ductal carcinoma, and infiltrating/invasive lobular carcinoma, reports Breastcancer.org.
Screening and Prevention
The American Cancer Society recommends monthly self-breast exams, annual clinical breast exams by your provider, and for women over a certain age or with particular risk factors, regular mammograms.
Famous Ties
Actress Christina Applegate, singers Melissa Etheridge and Kylie Minogue, and male singer and KISS member Peter Criss, have all had breast cancer.
