About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women in the United States.
Approximately one out of every eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of a lifetime. In 2010, more than 200,000 women and nearly 2,000 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. While breast cancer occurs mostly in women, men can also have breast cancer.
Despite the sobering statistics, there is hope. Continued research and an emphasis on screening has helped many women find cancer earlier and get the best treatment. There are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States today.
Breast cancer occurs when cancer cells build up in the tissue of the breast. There are several types of breast cancer, depending on where in the breast the cancer begins. The most common type of cancer is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the ducts or tubes.
While there are no exact causes of breast cancer, there are certain risk factors that may make some people more likely to develop breast cancer. The best way to protect yourself is to understand your risk factors and follow screening guidelines.