Eight Important Things to Know about Breast Cancer

Did you know that October is breast cancer awareness month? Stay educated on this important topic!

1. Breast cancer is a cancer that forms in the cells of the breast – Cancer occurs when healthy body systems don’t work properly. Breast cancer happens when the cells in the breast divide and grow without their normal control.
2. Most breast cancers begin in the milk ducts – Per Susan G. Komen, “About 80 percent of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts, about 10 percent begin in the lobules, and a few begin in other breast tissue.”
3. Tumors in the breast often grow slowly – This could mean that by the time a lump is felt, it may have been growing for a while. However, aggressive tumors can grow faster.
4. It’s common in women – The diagnosis of breast cancer is unfortunately all too common in women. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women behind skin cancer and affects 1 in 8 women.
5. Though rare, men can get breast cancer – While men have lower incidences of breast cancer than women, about 1 in 1,000, it is possible for men to be diagnosed as well. Per Susan G. Komen, “The most common warning sign of breast cancer in men is a painless lump or thickening of the breast or chest area.”
6. Changes to the breast or nipple can be warning signs – Regardless of one’s sex, people should be aware of breast cancer symptoms and not delay the reporting of signs to their doctor. Symptomsof breast cancer might include some of the following: a lump in the breast, breast pain, nipple discharge, changes in skin, size, or shape of breast, and/or lump in the underarm. Per American Cancer Society, it is important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Early stages may present no symptoms.
7. Sometimes signs are not present –This iswhy regular medical examinations and early detection tests are vital. Doing monthly self-examinations, seeing one’s health care provider and getting regular mammograms, an x-ray picture of the breast, are recommended.
8. Breast cancer requires a medical diagnosis – Finding breast cancer early increases the effectiveness of treatment and lowers the mortality rate. Should cancer be medically detected, doctors will determine the type of cancer, stage, and appropriate therapy.

Good news!

Many great strides have been made in the treatment of breast cancer so that people may live well following diagnosis and treatment. This delivers hope to many worldwide. To learn more about breast cancer, click here to access Healthline’s comprehensive guide to breast cancer.

Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource. Please address medical questions with your healthcare provider.