Breast Cancer FAQs

What is breast cancer?

Answer: Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that primarily affects women, but can also affect men.

The disease occurs in breast tissue when cells "change and grow out of control," according to MedlinePlus, an online health information service produced by the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

The cells that cause breast cancer usually form a tumor, which is an abnormal mass of tissue. Cancer cells and cancerous (malignant) tumors are dangerous because they can disrupt organ functions and kill healthy cells if left to spread. Breast cancer can lead to death if left untreated.

Alongside age, family history is another significant risk factor for breast cancer.

Others highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention include reproductive history, previous treatments using radiation therapy, dense breasts, exposure to the drug diethylstilbestrol (DES) and genetic mutations.

Factors like lack of exercise, overweight status, hormone therapy and alcohol consumption are other modifiable risk factors associated with the disease, according to the CDC.

What are the common signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

Answer: The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. Other symptoms that could be associated with the disease include swelling of the breast or part of the breast, pain in the breast or nipple area, nipple retraction (when the nipple begins to turn inward), nipple discharge or red, flaky skin. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

How is breast cancer screened and what preventive measures can be taken?

Answer: Most women begin receiving mammogram screenings at age 40, with frequency depending on medical guidelines and personal risk factors.

A mammogram is an X-ray procedure that helps doctors detect early signs of the disease, according to the CDC.

The machines used to conduct mammograms have plastic plates that flatten breasts, enabling X-ray images that are analyzed by radiologists for abnormalities.

Potential risks associated with mammography screening include overdiagnosis, false positives, anxiety and radiation injury, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine.

The CDC lists breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs, clinical breast examinations and self-checks as possible screenings for breast cancer.

The final step in diagnosing breast cancer is through a biopsy. This is done after an imaging test detects an abnormality that could be related to breast cancer.

What are the stages of breast cancer, and what treatment options are available for each stage?

Answer: There are five stages of breast cancer, ranging from 0 to 4, with stage 4 being the most severe due to the cancer having spread to other organs in the body.

Treatment for breast cancer commonly includes chemotherapy, hormone therapy and/or radiation. Surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), targeted therapy and immunotherapy may also be used for certain cases.

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