Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in breast cells. Many different kinds of breast cancer exist, depending on exactly where the cancer starts and how it develops. Some kinds are more common than others, but all types have their own risks and chances of cure.
According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every eight women will develop cancer at some point during her life. Breast cancer is not as common in women as some other serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, breast cancer is more feared than heart disease because of the intense media attention on the associated risks. Many complex factors combine to create breast cancer risk in a manner not yet understood very well.
These breast cancer risk factors include age, family history, individual genetic variation, and a prior history of breast lesions. To a lesser degree, other breast cancer risk factors include: previous abnormal biopsies, age the woman first had children, age of first menstruation, age of menopause, obesity, exposure to certain chemicals or radiation, along with numerous other factors. Despite the long list of risks, seven out of every ten women diagnosed with breast cancer had no obvious risk factors for breast cancer.
The exact causes of breast cancer and its risks are not truly known although they are matters that continue to be heavily researched. But experts have developed tools to help each woman identify and understand the risks that pertain to her in particular so that she can take actions to reduce or eliminate those risks. Obesity is one risk for breast cancer that can be dealt with. These tools can be found on various web sites on the Internet, including those of major universities and institutions that deal with research and treatment of breast cancer.
Although women worldwide are afraid of breast cancer, and rightfully so, most lumps are just abnormal tissue growths that turn out to be benign. These growths are usually called tumors, a term which can be applied to both cancerous and non-cancerous growths.
You should discuss any change in your breast with your physician so that he or she can make an examination and determine the best course of action. Women should have routine mammograms; their physicians can recommend the frequency. A wealth of information about breast cancer and breast cancer risk can be found on the Internet and through your doctor.
Any woman's breast cancer risk is determined by many complex factors that are not yet well understood. These factors include family history, individual genetic variation, and previous history of any breast lesion. Changes to the breast, including any noticeable abnormalities, should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician. Appropriate follow up tests can determine the nature of the problem.
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