Breast cancer develops when cancer cells from in the breast.
For women, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. It can also occur in men, but it’s far more common in women.
Support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped advance the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Survival rates have also increased, and the number of deaths associated with breast cancer is steadily declining. Largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approaches to breast cancer treatment and a better understanding of it.
Symptoms & Causes
Symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- A breast lump or thickening that feels different from the surrounding tissue
- Change in the size, shape or appearance of a breast
- Changes to the skin over the breast, such as dimpling
- A newly inverted nipple
- Peeling, scaling, crusting or flaking of the pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple (areola) or breast skin
- Redness or pitting of the skin over your breast, like the skin of an orange
Doctors know breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass. Cells may metastasize through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body.
Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts. Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules, or in other cells or tissue within the breast.
Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it’s not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It’s likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Your breast cancer treatment options are often determined on your type of breast cancer, its stage and grade, size, and whether the cancer cells are sensitive to hormones. Your overall health and preferences are also considered when deciding treatment options.
Many women undergo surgery for breast cancer, as well as receive additional treatments after surgery, such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or radiation, and Ozone therapy. Chemotherapy might also be used before surgery in certain situations. Ozone therapy is a complementary therapy meant to be combined with other treatment methods.
There are many options for breast cancer treatment, and you may feel overwhelmed as you make complex decisions about your treatment. Consider seeking a second opinion from a breast specialist, and talk to other women who have faced the same decision.