Breast cancer
A cancer from breast tissue; leading cancer in women.
Breast cancer is a cancer that develops from breast tissue. It is the leading type of cancer in women worldwide, accounting for 25% of all cases, and is more than 100 times more common in women than in men. Signs include a lump in the breast, change in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, fluid from the nipple, or a newly inverted nipple.
- type
- Cancer
- common_in
- Women (100 times more common than in men)
- leading_cause
- Leading type of cancer in women worldwide
- new_cases_2018
- 2 million
- deaths_2018
- 627,000
- five_year_survival_US_UK
- Over 90%
- inherited_cases
- 5-10%
Lore & Background
Breast cancer most commonly develops from cells lining the milk ducts (ductal carcinomas) or the lobules that supply milk (lobular carcinomas). There are more than 18 other subtypes. Risk factors include obesity, lack of physical exercise, alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy during menopause, ionizing radiation, early age at first menstruation, having children late or not at all, older age, prior history of breast cancer, and family history. About 5-10% of cases result from inherited genetic predisposition, including BRCA mutations.
Reader's Guide
Breast cancer screening, particularly mammography, can detect tumors early when they are smaller and less likely to have spread. However, a 2013 Cochrane review found it unclear whether mammographic screening does more harm than good due to false positives. The US Preventive Services Task Force found evidence of benefit in those aged 40-70 and recommends screening every two years for women aged 50-74. Treatments include surgery (breast-conserving or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy. For advanced disease, treatments aim to improve quality of life. Outcomes vary by cancer type, extent of disease, and age; five-year survival rates exceed 90% in the US and UK but are lower in developing countries. Breast cancer is more common in developed countries. For transgender individuals, breast cancer is five times more common in cisgender women than in transgender men, and 46 times more common in transgender women than in cisgender men.
Did You Know?
- About 5-10% of breast cancer cases result from inherited genetic predisposition, including BRCA mutations.
- Breast cancer is more than 100 times more common in women than in men.
- A 2013 Cochrane review found it unclear whether mammographic screening does more harm than good.
- In transgender individuals, breast cancer is 46 times more common in transgender women than in cisgender men.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Breast cancer?
It is a malignant growth that arises from the cells within breast tissue. It is classified as a cancer and stands as the most frequently diagnosed cancer type among women globally.
Who is most at risk for Breast cancer?
It overwhelmingly affects women, occurring roughly 100 times more often in them than in men. While it can technically develop in anyone who has breast tissue, the vast majority of cases are seen in female patients.
What are the key warning signs to look for?
Common indicators include a new palpable lump, visible changes in breast contour, skin dimpling, unusual nipple discharge, or a nipple that suddenly turns inward. These are the red flags that typically prompt a medical workup.
How prevalent is Breast cancer on a global scale?
It accounts for roughly a quarter of all cancer diagnoses in women worldwide, with approximately 2 million new cases recorded in 2018 alone. That same year saw around 627,000 deaths attributed to the disease.
What are the survival odds for a patient diagnosed with Breast cancer?
In the US and UK, the five-year survival rate exceeds 90%, reflecting major advances in early detection and treatment. Even so, the global mortality figures underscore how serious the condition remains.
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