Health Centers > Cancer Health Center > Breast Cancer

What is breast cancer?

Jan 10.2012

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life.

In a healthy body, natural systems control the creation, growth and death of cells. But when these systems malfunction, more cell growth than death can occur. The result is a mass of tissue we call a malignant tumor - or cancer. And when this process takes place in the breast, it's breast cancer. Tumors in the breast tend to grow slowly; by the time a lump is large enough to feel, it may have been growing for as long as 10 years. Some tumors, however, are aggressive and grow much faster.

    Gynecologic Cancers

    Breast Cancer in the elderly Benign Breast Diseases: Classification, Diagnosis, and Management

    Benign Breast Diseases

    Benign Breast Diseases: Classification, Diagnosis, and Management

      Hereditary Breast Cancers

      Hereditary Breast Cancers

      A family history of breast cancer has been consistently recognized as one of the most important risk factors for the disease ...

      Breast Cancer Overview

      Breast Cancer Overview

      Breast cancer is a malignant proliferation of epithelial cells lining the ducts or lobules of the breast ...

      Other Causes of Hereditary Breast Cancer

      Other Causes of Hereditary Breast Cancer

      It is important to bear in mind that not all families with a pedigree suggestive of hereditary breast cancer are linked to BRCA1 or BRCA2...

      Prevention Strategies for Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations

      Prevention Strategies for Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 Mutations

      Given the uncertain utility of screening programs (secondary prevention) in this high-risk ...

      Nipple Discharge

      Nipple Discharge

      Nipple discharge is a common breast symptom and one that can be particularly alarming when first discovere ...

      Breast Cancer Risk Factors

      Breast Cancer Risk Factors

      Identification of risk factors is important in explaining the variation in breast cancer incidence across different populations ...

      Breast Cancer

       

       

      Benign Breast Diseases: Classification, Diagnosis, and Management

       

       

      Daily Breast Cancer News

      Saturated fatty acids linked to breast cancer in postmenopausal women

      Saturated fatty acids linked to breast cancer in postmenopausal women

      Jun 08, 2016

      Fatty acids in the breast may be useful indicators of cancer in postmenopausal women, according to a new study published online in the journal Radiology. The results may help researchers determine the underlying mechanisms behind breast cancer development in some patients.

      The role of fat in…