Breast cancer in medical terms is called malignant breast neoplasm. This type of cancer originates in the breast tissues. It can either be found in the milk ducts and in this case the diagnosis is ductal carcinomas or in the lobules supplying milk to the ducts and called lobular carcinomas. There are different stages, types, the aggressiveness of the spread and, of course, genetic makeup. Treatment for breast cancer embodies drugs, surgery and radiation. Drugs can mean hormonal therapy of chemotherapy.

Breast cancer affects woman as well as man. However, male breast cancer cases are extremely rare. The numbers say that less than 1% of the cases occur in men. In 2008 1.990 breast cancer cases were recorded to male patients. The majority of the victims are women of different ages. Worldwide the number of patients suffering from this cancer goes through continuing growth.



The first most common form of cancer among women is non melanoma skin cancer. Statistics show that breast cancer deaths are the second most common cancer deaths among women. For example, in the United States of America one woman in eight is diagnosed with breast cancer. After twenty years of increase the rate of breast cancer incidence has decreased by 2%. A number which means close to nothing compared with the 20% increase. In the U.S, for example in 2009, for 40,170 women the diagnosis meant death. The good news is that the number of deaths cause by this cancer has gone down and continues to decrease since 1990. This is due to research breakthroughs and early detection. More and more women have learned that a routine mammography can be a real life saver.



Statistics also say that white women compared to African women are more exposed to breast cancer. In case of African women the tumors are more aggressive and the death rate is higher. Some of the causes behind breast cancer remain unknown. What doctors really know is that 5-10% of breast cancer cases come from gene mutations inherited from the father or the mother. The remaining 90% still make case for scientific efforts in research. Among the most risky factors leading to breast cancer are considered to be gender and age.

Breast cancer statistics depict a sad reality. Women and men die every year because of this cancer. Treatment has improved over the years but scientists still don't know what makes breast cancer grow and grow as the time goes. Little is known about causes or a cure, and early detection is the only sure, safe solution to escape breast cancer death.

In conclusion being a woman and growing older can be troubleshooting. The secret is to take care of your body and don’t neglect routine exams.