About Breast Cancer > What is Breast Cancer?

What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast.

Understanding Breast Cancer Breast cancer starts as malignant (cancerous) cells in the breast that can then invade surrounding tissues or spread to other areas of the body.

Breast Cancer Facts & Stats 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Awareness of breast cancer leads to empowered choices.

Growth of Breast Cancer Cancer grows when damaged cells multiply, hormones accelerate the growth of tumors, and lymph & blood vessels carry cancer to other areas of the body.

Risk Factors Knowing the risk factors for breast cancer can help lower the risk of diagnosis. There are genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors.

Causes of Breast Cancer The exact cause of breast cancer is unknown. But understanding the risk factors for developing the disease can lead to its early detection.

Breast Anatomy Knowing the anatomy of your body can help you make informed decisions, have better dialog with your doctor, and become aware of anything unusual.

Breast Tumors There are two types of breast tumors: benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumors are graded on a 1-3 scale based on severity.

Breast Cancer Genetics

Genes pass hereditary information from generation to generation. Certain gene mutations can increase breast cancer ...Read More