Breast cancer is a type of cancer that originates in breast cells. Many different kinds of breast cancer exist, depending on exactly where the cancer starts and how it develops. Some kinds are more common than others, but all types have their own risks and chances of cure.

According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every eight women will develop cancer at some point during her life. Breast cancer is not as common in women as some other serious diseases such as cardiovascular disease. Nevertheless, breast cancer is more feared than heart disease because of the intense media attention on the associated risks. Many complex factors combine to create breast cancer risk in a manner not yet understood very well.

Breast cancer risk factors are numerous and include things like age, family history, and a prior history of breast problems. Other risk factors include the age at the onset of menstruation, the age at menopause, the age at which a woman first had children, obsesity, prior abnormal biopsies, and exposure to radiation or certain kinds of chemicals. Even though there are many risk factors, seventy percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer had none of these risk factors.

The exact causes of breast cancer and its risks are not truly known although they are matters that continue to be heavily researched. But experts have developed tools to help each woman identify and understand the risks that pertain to her in particular so that she can take actions to reduce or eliminate those risks. Obesity is one risk for breast cancer that can be dealt with. These tools can be found on various web sites on the Internet, including those of major universities and institutions that deal with research and treatment of breast cancer.

Although women worldwide are afraid of breast cancer, and rightfully so, most lumps are just abnormal tissue growths that turn out to be benign. These growths are usually called tumors, a term which can be applied to both cancerous and non-cancerous growths.

A doctor must be consulted if you find anything abnormal about your breasts. The doctor will perform tests to learn more about the abnormality. The mammogram is one type of screening test that you should get regularly from your doctor. Online you can find a lot of information about breast cancer risk. You can also talk to your doctor for more information.

There are many types of breast cancer, but all of them begin in cells of the breast. An expected 12.5% of women will deal with breast cancer in their lives. Breast cancer risk is increased with family history, genetic predisposition, and any previous history of breast lesions. Obesity is another risk factor. However, seven out of ten women with breast cancer have no obvious risk factors. Most breast lumps are just abnormal tissue growths, or tumors, that turn out to be benign. Tests to screen for breast cancer, such as the mammogram, should be performed regularly as directed by a doctor.