Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. Cancer starts when cells begin to grow out of control. Breast cancer cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too.
It’s important to understand that most breast lumps are benign and not cancer (malignant). Non-cancerous breast tumors are abnormal growths, but they do not spread outside of the breast. They are not life threatening, but some types of benign breast lumps can increase a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. Any breast lump or change needs to be checked by a health care professional to determine if it is benign or malignant (cancer) and if it might affect your future cancer risk.
Researchers have found several factors that increase your risk of breast cancer. While you can’t control all things that increase your risk of breast cancer, there are somethings that you can adjust to help lower your risk. By improving your health through a healthy diet, proper exercise, and limiting your consumption of tobacco and alcohol, you can lower your risk of developing breast cancer. Before making any changes to your diet or starting any exercise program, consult your doctor.