Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the tissues of the breast, most commonly the ducts or lobules, according to the American Cancer Society.
Significance
In 2009, the National Cancer Institute estimates that in the United States, approximately 192,370 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in women, and 1,910 new cases will be diagnosed in men.
Types
Noninvasive cancers include ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Invasive forms of breast cancer include invasive/infiltrating ductal carcinoma, invasive/infiltrating lobular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and Paget disease of the nipple.
Symptoms
Although there are not always symptoms, signs of breast cancer can include a lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, discharge from the nipple, dimpling of the breast skin, or an inverted nipple. Inflammatory breast cancer may present as a feeling of warmth in the breast, inflammation and redness, or itching.
Treatment
Depending on the stage and extent of the cancer, as well as your general health, treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted therapy, according to the National Cancer Institute. Typically, treatment will involve a combination of these.
Famous Ties
Actresses Christina Applegate and Edie Falco, singers Sheryl Crow, Kylie Minogue and Melissa Etheridge, and KISS drummer Peter Criss have all battled breast cancer.
