What Is Breast Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, and Risk Factors
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women globally, including in India. With rising awareness, early detection, and improved treatment options, survival rates have improved significantly. However, understanding what breast cancer is, recognizing its symptoms, knowing the causes, and identifying the risk factors remain critical to early intervention and effective treatment. What Is Breast Cancer? Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally and form a lump or mass. These cancerous cells can invade surrounding tissues and, in some cases, spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. While breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also develop it, though it is much rarer. Breast cancer typically begins in the ducts (ductal carcinoma) or lobules (lobular carcinoma), which are the glands responsible for producing milk. Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer Being aware of the early warning signs of bre...