Most Common Form of Breast Cancer in Women

Most Common Form of Breast Cancer in Women

Breast cancer is the commonest form of cancer among women in the developed world. Its incidence has increased slowly since the 1960s. It affects about one woman in twelve at some stage in their lives. In 1993 15000 women died in England of breast cancer. About 90% were aged over 50.  Once again, early diagnosis allows scope for effective treatment. Breast cancer is a cancer which develops from breast tissue. Signs of breast cancer may comprise a lump in the breast, a change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid coming from the nipple, or a red scaly patch of skin. In those with secluded spread of the disease, there may be bone pain, swollen lymph nodes, shortness of breath, or yellow skin.

Possibility factors for developing breast cancer include: female sex, obesity, lack of physical exercise, drinking alcohol, hormone substitution therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, having children late or not at all, and older age. About 5–10% of cases are due to genes innate from a person's parents. Breast cancer most normally develops in cells from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers developing from the ducts are known as ductal carcinomas, while those developing from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas. In addition, there are more than 18 other sub-types of breast cancer. Some cancers develop from pre-invasive lesions such as ductal carcinoma in situ. The diagnosis of breast cancer is biopsy of the concerning lump. Once the diagnosis is made, further tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the breast and which treatments it may respond to.

·         Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from breast cells. Breast cancer generally starts off in the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply them with milk. A malignant tumor can multiply to other parts of the body. A breast cancer that started off in the lobules is known as lobular carcinoma, while one that developed from the ducts is called ductal carcinoma.

Breast cancer is the most frequent invasive cancer in females worldwide. It accounts for 16% of all female cancers and 22.9% of invasive cancers in women. 18.2% of all cancer deaths worldwide, including both males and females, are from breast cancer.

Breast cancer rates are much higher in developed nations compared to developing ones. There are several reasons for this, with possibly life-expectancy being one of the key factors - breast cancer is more common in elderly women; women in the richest countries live much longer than those in the poorest nations. The different lifestyles and eating habits of females in rich and poor countries are also contributory factors, experts believe.