Breast cancer is defined as the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in one or more areas of the breast, such as the ducts that carry milk to the nipple, tiny sacs that produce milk (lobules), and non-glandular tissue. Breast cancer can sometimes remain in the tissue where it began. However, it can spread to other nearby tissues or lymph nodes.
Breast cancer makes no distinctions. Mothers, daughters, working women, celebrities, and even some men are affected. The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer for women is about 1 in 8; for men, it is 1 in 1,000.
Some women are more likely than others to develop breast cancer. They include older women, women who have a mother, sister, or daughter who has breast cancer, women who have previously had breast cancer or a benign breast condition, women with dense breasts, women who have had radiation to the chest or breast, and women who consume a lot of alcohol.
Having several risk factors does not guarantee that a woman will develop breast cancer. Similarly, having few risk factors does not provide complete protection against them.
Breast cancer treatment options include:
- Removing the tumor and a small amount of surrounding tissue (lumpectomy), radiation therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Hormone therapy.
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