BREAST CANCER


Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare. 
Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2012:

• New cases: 226,870 (female); 2,190 (male)
• Deaths: 39,510 (female); 410 (male)

Breast cancer facts

• Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women.
• One in every eight women in the United States develops breast cancer.
• There are many types of breast cancer that differ in their capability of spreading (metastasizing) to other body tissues.
• The causes of breast cancer are not yet fully known although a number of risk factors have been identified.
• There are many different types of breast cancer.
• Breast cancer is diagnosed with physician and self-examination of the breasts, mammography, ultrasound testing, and biopsy.
• Treatment of breast cancer depends on the type of cancer and its stage (the extent of spread in the body).