Types of Breast Cancer
Invasive ductal carcinoma – The cancer cells grow outside the ducts into other parts of the breast tissue. Invasive cancer cells can also spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body.
Invasive lobular carcinoma – Cancer cells spread from the lobules to the breast tissues that are close by. These invasive cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person and there is no exact definition of what a lump or mass feels like. The best thing to do is to be familiar with your breasts so you know how “normal†feels and looks. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor. However, many breast cancers are found by mammograms before any symptoms appear.
- New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
- Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
- Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
- Nipple discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
- Any change in the size or the shape of the breast.
- Pain in any area of the breast.
What Are the Risk Factors for Breast Cancer?
A risk factor is anything that increases the chances of developing a specific disease. Key risk factors and causes include:
Age: As women age, their breast cancer risk increases. Most breast cancers are diagnosed after age 50. If you believe you may be more likely to develop cancer because of your personal or family medical history, please review our screening exams by age.
Family history: A woman’s odds of developing breast cancer increase if a parent, sibling or child has had the disease.
Early menstruation: Women who began menstruating before age 12 have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.
Women who have no full-term pregnancies or their first pregnancy after age 30 at a higher risk of breast cancer.
Previous breast cancer diagnosis:A woman who has had breast cancer once has a higher risk of developing a second cancer.
Previous radiation therapy to the chest in childhood or early adulthood increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Obesity, particularly after menopause, increases a woman’s breast cancer risk.
Dense breast tissue based on its appearance in a mammogram is a known risk factor for breast cancer.
