Breast cancer is cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally.
These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells 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 (invasive ductal carcinoma). Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma) or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Breast Cancer Risk Factor
Breast cancer risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you'll get breast cancer. Having one or even several breast cancer risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop breast cancer. Many women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors other than simply being women.
Factors that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer include:
1.Being a female: Women are much more likely than men are to develop breast cancer.
2.Increasing age: Your risk of breast cancer increases as you age.
3.A family history of breast cancer: If your mother, sister or daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly at a young age, your risk of breast cancer is increased. Still, the majority of people diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
4.Inherited genes that increase cancer risk: Certain gene mutations that increase the risk of breast cancer can be passed from parents to children. These genes can greatly increase your risk of breast cancer and other cancers, but they don't make cancer inevitable.
5.Radiation exposure: If you received radiation treatments to your chest as a child or young adult, your risk of breast cancer is increased.
6.Obesity: Being obese increases your risk of breast cancer.
7.Drinking alcohol: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of breast cancer.
FAQ
When do I need to see a doctor?
If you find a lump or any change in your breast — even if a recent breast investigation (ultrasound or mammogram) was normal —
Click here to make an appointment with our doctor at Lifefount International Hospital for prompt evaluation.