Body cells reproduce or divide normally only when the body needs new cells. There are times when these body cells grow and divide rapidly and get out of control thus leading to a tissue mass known as a tumor. When these cells are normal, such a tumor is known as benign and it is not cancerous. But if such cells are abnormal and are functioning differently from normal cells in the body, such a tumor is known as malignant/ cancerous.

The naming of cancer is typically done depending on the part of body they originate from. Where the breast tissue is the origin of such abnormal cells, it is known as breast cancer. There are times when breast cancer grows and invades other tissues that surround the breast through the metastasis process. Usually when the breast cancer is too advanced, it will bring along many complications. That is why the caregivers looking after the patient should have first aid CPR certification to prevent imminent death. 

Are causes for breast cancer known?

Exactly, what causes breast cancer isn’t known but there are certain factors that increase the risk of one getting this type of cancer. As such, you can develop breast cancer depending on your age, personal health history, genetic factors and even diet. All these contribute greatly to the likelihood of one suffering from breast cancer. After lung cancer, breast cancer is ranked as the second main cause of death among women. About 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and a great percentage of them die from this condition. Most of the cases of breast cancer that are diagnosed are actually sporadic whereby no direct history of this disease exists in a family. As a woman ages, this comes with an increased risk for breast cancer.

Breast cancer symptoms to look out for

Breast cancer symptoms are many and diverse. As a woman, you will need to know exactly which signs to look out for to ascertain whether you are suffering from the disease or not. The first common symptom is the presence of a thickening or lump mostly in the underarm or near or in the breast which continues to persist throughout your menstrual cycle. A lump or mass is felt, which looks like a pea and the shape, contour and size of the breast changes. A clear fluid or blood stained discharge is also observed from the nipple and the skin appearance near the breast changes. The nipple could also change in its position or shape.

Breast cancer- different types

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the first type of breast cancer, which begins in milk ducts after which it breaks and invades the breast fatty tissues. This type accounts for about 80 percent of invasive breast cancer cases. The next type is ductal carcinoma in situ, which refers to when the cancer is still in its early stages and is yet to spread to other areas beyond its origin. When left untreated it invades other tissues. The third type is lobular carcinoma in situ and while this isn’t true cancer, it shows an increased risk of breast cancer.