Despite the fact that breast cancer is one of the leading death causing diseases in the 21th century, people aren’t still properly informed about it’s consequences and about ways to prevent it. Asking yourself a simple question like “What is breast cancer?” is a huge step forward.



Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are formed in the breast tissue. The breast consists of lobes and ducts. Each breast has 15 to 20 sections called lobes, lobes which present smaller sections called lobules. Breast cancer is sometimes found in pregnant women or in case of those who just gave birth, because of the whole series of transformations that took place in their bodies during that period of their lives. Most cases of disease occur around the age of 50 years.

In the past 20 years, cases of disease have greatly increased, and the occurrence of this life threatening disease among young women began to grow. Many cancer specialists consider that the Chernobyl accident may have influenced the spread of the disease. Despite this fact, there is also a bright side to this whole story. Breast cancer is treatable if discovered in an early stage. May women who have battled this disease have won, public examples like Christina Applegate have a huge impact on those who suffer from this disease because she consists a live example and a proof that breast cancer isn’t invincible.

Breast cancer can be seen both in women and men. The risk of breast cancer increases with age:
* This disease is rare in women younger than 35 years
* All women 40 and over 40 years risk the development of breast cancer
* Most cases occur in the cases of women aged over 50 years
* The risk of breast cancer is increased in the case of women over 60 years.

Breast cancer is more common among white women than black, Hispanic or Asian. Although there are cases of breast cancer and in men, 99% of cases occur in women. This type of cancer is often detected, if in an early stage, by a mammogram, before any symptoms have appeared. The most common symptom is a painless breast lump. However, nodules of breast cancer may also be painful.

Symptoms of breast cancer include: - A lump in the breast or armpit appeared recently - Changed size or shape of breast - Modification of the breast skin, such as a fold or a stain - Leaking or bleeding of the nipple - Changes of the nipple, such as retraction or inversion - Crusty nipple - Changes in color or texture of the skin of the breast or the appearance of a darker color around the nipple - A lump in the breast in case of men. For more information on what breast cancer is you can browse the internet of ask for a flyer at your local medical department. Don’t forget to get tested and remember that it’s better to be safe than sorry.