Nodules occur most frequently in the lobules - small bags that produce milk - or in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. But sometimes form in other tissues. The two main categories of breast cancer are lobular and ductal carcinomas.
Breast cancer - Breast cancer usually begins with the formation of small well-defined tumors. Some tumors are benign, meaning not invade other tissues; others are malignant, or cancerous. Malignant tumors have the potential to be metastases that is to spread. Once such a tumor reaches a certain size, is more likely to radiate cells spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Different types of breast cancer grow and spread at different rates; some of them have years to spread beyond the breast, while others spread rapidly. Men may have breast cancer, but their number is less than half a percent of all cases. Among women, breast cancer is the most common cancer and is the second leading cause of cancer deaths - after lung cancer.
Statistics show that one of eight women can reach 85 years even if they have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Two thirds of women with breast cancer are over 50 years, and the rest- most have between 39 and 49.
Breast cancer is treatable - Fortunately, breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. Localized tumors can usually be successfully treated before cancer spread, and in 9 of 10 cases, sick woman will live at least another 5 years. Experts generally consider the survival rate of 5 years is a cure.
After the cancer begins to spread, completely get rid of it is more difficult, although treatment can often keep the disease under control for years. Improved procedures for screening and better treatment options that are over seven in ten female breast cancer will survive more than five years after initial diagnosis, and half of them survive more than 10 years.
Breast cancer causes - Although the precise breast cancer causes are unclear, there are known major risk factors for this disease. However, most women considered to have an increased risk of breast cancer are not ill, while many women are not sick even if they are affected by known risk factors. Among the most significant risk factors are age and family history of breast cancer. The risk is somewhat higher for women who have benign breast lump and increases significantly for women who had breast or ovarian cancer.
Diet - The link between diet and breast cancer is still under debate. Obesity is a notable risk factor, and regular consumption of alcohol - more than two drinks per day - can encourage this disease. Many studies have shown that women whose diet is rich in fat are more susceptible to this disease. Researchers suspect that if women would reduce daily calories from fat - less than 20% -30% - the diet might protect them from breast cancer.