BREAST CANCER occurs when cells in the breast grow out of control. The cells clump together and form a malignant (cancerous) tumor.

There are two main types of breast cancer. Breast cancer that begins in the lobes and spreads to nearby tissue is called invasive lobular carcinoma. Breast cancer that begins in the ducts and spreads to nearby tissue is called invasive ductal carcinoma.

Not just women. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the US, and it’s more common among older women. About 180,000 American women are diagnosed with the disease each year. Breast cancer also affects a small number of men in the US. About 1,600 American men are diagnosed with the disease each year

Symptoms: Breast cancer may have no symptoms in the early stages. But as the cancer grows, the symptoms may include:

• A lump or mass in the breast or the under arm area
• A change in breast size, shape or color
• A discharge from the nipple
• A change in the feel of the skin covering the breast (the skin could become dimpled, puckered or scaly)

Some of these symptoms may be caused by other problems. Only a doctor can know for sure. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to a doctor immediately.

What’s your risk? Take the questionaire. Check link below. http://www.yourdiseaserisk.harvard.edu/hccpquiz.pl?lang=english&func=start&quiz=breast

Information Source: ‘Harvard Center for Cancer Prevention’