What is Breast Cancer

Just the word can be frightening, and makes some people think of death. But what is it, really? What happens in your body & why is it so hard to diagnose and treat this disease? The term cancer covers more than a hundred diseases that share one trait; cells grow out of control & destroy healthy tissues. It is important to know that nearly 9 million people alive today have history of cancer New treatments are continually being developed. Thus the fear you might feel when you learn that a friend or relative has cancer can be tempered with hope.

There are more than 100 different types of cancer that can effect the body. Most cancers are treatable, and research is constantly improving treatment of all cancers. For women the most common type is Breast Cancer.

Cells in the body normally divide at a steady, even pace. New cells are formed to take the place of old and injured cells.

Sometimes, however, when cells divide and multiply rapidly, they form a lump also called a tumor.
Nearly 80% of finding on mammogram are not cancer. They are usually a benign tumors, a cyst or some other non cancerous condition. A tumor is defined as cancer only when it can invade near by tissues & organs and damage them. Then it is called malignant. If breast cancer spreads it usually shows up first in the lymph nodes near the armpit. These nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which, like the blood circulation system, carries fluids through out the system. The fluid known as lymph may carry cancer cells to other parts of the body, where they can start new tumors.