What is Breast Cancer?

The breast is a gland that is designed to make milk. Lobules in the breast make the milk, which then drains through a network of ducts to the nipple. Breasts consist of glands, ducts and fatty tissue.

Like all parts of your body, the cells in your breasts grow and rest in cycles. The periods of growth and rest in each cell are controlled by genes in the cell’s nucleus. The nucleus is like the control room of each cell. When your genes work well, they keep cell growth in check. But when your genes develop an abnormality, they sometimes lose their ability to control the cycle of cell growth and rest.

Breast Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of breast cells.

Women’s breasts can change throughout the monthly cycle, sometimes becoming lumpy and painful just before her period. This can be caused by hormonal shifts and fluid buildup. These symptoms usually disappear a few days after the menstrual cycle begins.

Women’s breasts also change as they age.Younger women’s breasts are mostly glands and milk ducts whereas older women’s breasts are mostly fatty tissue.

The most common type of breast cancer starts in the ducts but can also start in the lobules. Both types are highly treatable.