Introduction

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is the leading cause of death among women between 40 and 55 years of age, the second overall cause of death among women (exceeded only by lung cancer). and is on the rise worldwide. Breast cancer is more easily treated and often curable if it is found early.

Lumps

Most breast tumors (abnormal lumps or masses of tissue) are benign (not cancerous). Using the fingertips, a lump may be detected within the breast. If a lump in the is found, the doctor may need to cut out a small piece of the lump. Four types of biopsies are as follows: Excisional biopsy: The removal of an entire lump or suspicious tissue. Incisional biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue. Needle biopsy: The removal of part of a lump, suspicious tissue, or fluid, using a thin needle. Core biopsy: The removal of part of a lump or suspicious tissue using a wide needle.

A group of rapidly dividing cells may form a lump or mass of extra tissue. For example, fibrocystic change is a non-cancerous condition in which women develop cysts (accumulated packets of fluid), fibrosis (formation of scar-like connective tissue), lumpiness, areas of thickening, tenderness, or breast pain.

Risks

Women who have an altered gene related to breast cancer and who have had cancer in one breast have an increased risk of developing cancer in the other breast. These women also have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, and may have an increased risk of developing other cancers. Age and health history can affect the risk of developing breast cancer. Each woman's risk may be higher or lower, depending upon several factors, including family history, genetics, age of menstruation, and other factors that have not yet been identified. Breast feeding for several months also seems to reduce breast cancer risk.

Treatment

Treatment for breast cancer usually depends on the type of cancer and whether it has spread outside of the breast to the rest of the body. Treatment for includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and endocrine/anti-hormone therapy. Treatment for male breast cancer is usually a mastectomy, which is surgery to remove the breast.

Conclusion

Previously a malady that mostly afflicted white, affluent women in the industrial hubs of North America and Western Europe, breast cancer is everywhere. But in China, as in most other emerging economies, it is a relatively new concern, something that both patients and doctors are only haltingly learning how to treat. But the latest age-specific data in Denmark show that the incidence of breast cancer is maximal for women born between 1945 and 1950, and is on the decline for women born more recently. More than 90 out of 100 women whose cancer is found early will be cured. The leading cause of breast cancer is said to be the use of anti-perspirant. The good news is that it is a disease that can be treated and cured.