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Main page Breast cancer Book marks Links More info Breast cancer resources for patientsBreast cancer is a malignant tumor that originates from cells of the breast. The majority (over 75%) of breast cancers begin in the milk ducts within the breast and the next most common site is the lobules, which is the glands that makes milk. Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. Cancer is a group of diseases in which cells in the body grow, change, and multiply out of control. Breast cancer is similar to other kinds of cancer in that it is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Most breast cancers are slow growing and by the time a lump can be felt, it may have been growing for 5 or 10 years. Breast tissue covers a larger area than just the breast. Usually, cancer is named after the body part in which it originated; thus, breast cancer refers to the erratic growth and proliferation of cells that originate in the breast tissue. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Early breast cancer usually has no symptoms and the earlier a tumor is found, the better the chance of survival. It extends up to the collarbone and from the armpit to the breastbone. A group of rapidly dividing cells may form a lump or mass of extra tissue. One rare kind, which is a very fast killer, can kill you in a matter of weeks. For these reasons it is extremely important for women to be screened regularly by mammography or ultrasound since they may identify a cancerous tumor before it can be felt. Ovarian cancer |