Breast cancer is second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 182,400 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each year, while 40,480 women will lose their lives to this disease. Breast cancer will affect one of every eight American women in their lifetime.
Men are susceptible to breast cancer, although the disease is much less common among males. Nearly 2,000 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer annually, and 450 men will die.
The good news is that there are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States, and the number of new breast cancer cases has declined in the early years of the 21st century.
Types of Breast Cancer
Ductal carcinoma is the most common form of breast cancer. Tumors form in the cells of the milk ducts, which convey milk to the nipples. Ductal carcinoma can either be invasive, with the potential to spread, or non-invasive.
Lobular carcinoma occurs in the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands. Lobular carcinoma can be invasive, with a tendency to spread, or non-invasive.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer that affects the dermal lymphatic system. Rather than forming a lump, IBC tumors grow in flat sheets that cannot be felt in a breast exam. Read more about IBC
Recurrent breast cancer means that the cancer has returned after being undetected for a time. Recurrent cancer can occur in the remaining breast tissue, and also at other sites such as the lungs, liver, bones or brain. Even though these tumors are in a new location, they are still called breast cancer.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Symptoms of breast cancer may vary from woman to woman. Women should be familiar with their breasts so that they know what feels and looks normal for them. Changes should be promptly reported to a health care provider. Many cancers are found by regular mammography after age 40 – before any symptoms are felt.
Symptoms include:
- Lump or mass in your breast
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- Changes in breast size, shape, skin texture or color
- Skin redness
- Dimpling or puckering
- Nipple changes or discharge
- Scaliness
- Nipple pulling to one side or a change in direction
Many breast changes – including lumps – are not cancer, but if you notice one or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see your doctor.
