Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control, usually forming a tumor that can be felt as a lump. It most often starts in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk. Early detection through regular screening is the best way to improve survival rates. While it primarily affects women, men can also develop breas
Breast cancer is a disease where cells in the breast grow out of control, usually forming a tumor that can be felt as a lump. It most often starts in the milk ducts or the glands that produce milk. Early detection through regular screening is the best way to improve survival rates. While it primarily affects women, men can also develop breast cancer.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast tissue. It happens when the DNA in your cells changes or “mutates.” These changes tell the cells to grow and divide much faster than normal cells. As these extra cells pile up, they form a mass called a tumor.
If the cells stay in one place, it is called “in situ.” If they spread into the healthy tissue around them, it is called invasive cancer. In some cases, these cells can travel through the blood or lymph system to other parts of the body, which is known as metastasis.
Common Signs and Symptoms
In the early stages, you might not feel anything at all. This is why regular check-ups are so important. However, as the cancer grows, you might notice:
- A New Lump: This is the most common sign. It often feels like a hard, painless mass with uneven edges, but it can also be soft or tender.
- Changes in Shape: One breast might look larger or a different shape than the other.
- Skin Changes: The skin on the breast might look red, scaly, or dimpled (like the skin of an orange).
- Nipple Changes: The nipple might turn inward or start leaking fluid that isn’t breast milk.
- Pain: While most breast cancers are not painful, any constant pain in one spot should be checked.
What Causes Breast Cancer?
Doctors don’t always know why one person gets breast cancer and another doesn’t. However, they have found certain “risk factors” that make it more likely.
Factors You Cannot Change
- Getting Older: Most cases are found in people over age 50.
- Genetics: About 5% to 10% of cases are linked to genes passed down from parents, like the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
- Family History: Having a mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer increases your risk.
Lifestyle Factors
- Weight: Being overweight, especially after menopause, can raise your risk.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol is linked to an increased chance of developing the disease.
- Activity Level: Not being active can contribute to higher risk levels.
Types of Breast Cancer
Knowing the type of cancer helps doctors pick the right treatment. The most common types include:
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This starts in the milk ducts and spreads to other breast tissue. It is the most common type.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules).
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: This is a more aggressive type that doesn’t have the “receptors” (like estrogen) that other cancers use to grow.
Latest Treatments in 2026
Medical science has come a long way. Today, treatment is more personal than ever. Doctors look at the specific “fingerprint” of your cancer to decide what will work best.
- Surgery: This can range from a “lumpectomy” (removing just the tumor) to a “mastectomy” (removing the whole breast).
- Radiation: Using high-energy beams to kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: These are newer drugs that attack specific parts of cancer cells without hurting healthy cells.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment helps your own immune system find and destroy the cancer.
- AI-Driven Care: In 2026, many doctors use Artificial Intelligence to look at scans and predict which medicine will work best for your specific body.
Taking Control of Your Health
The best way to protect yourself is to be “breast aware.” This means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice a change, don’t wait. See a healthcare professional right away. Screening tools like mammograms (X-rays of the breast) can find cancer years before you can feel a lump.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.