Languages

---

Breast cancer is a disease that occurs when cells in the breast grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor. It can begin in different parts of the breast, most commonly in the ducts (which carry milk to the nipple) or the lobules (glands that produce milk). While breast cancer occurs mostly in women, it can also affect men.

Symptoms of breast cancer can vary from person to person, and some individuals may show no signs at all. Common symptoms include:

• A lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm, often painless
• A change in the size, shape, or appearance of the breast
• Skin changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or a texture resembling an orange peel
• Inverted nipple (nipple turning inward)
• Nipple discharge, which may be bloody
• Scaling, peeling, or flaking of the skin around the nipple or breast
• Persistent pain in the breast or nipple area

Some types of breast cancer, like inflammatory breast cancer, can cause swelling, warmth, and a reddish or purplish appearance of the breast skin without a distinct lump. This type of cancer progresses rapidly and is often more aggressive.

Cause

The exact cause of breast cancer is not always known. It typically involves mutations in the DNA of breast cells, leading them to multiply out of control. These mutations can be inherited or acquired over time through exposure to hormones, lifestyle factors, or environmental triggers.

Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer:

Genetic and biological factors:

• Inherited mutations in genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• A family history of breast cancer, particularly in a first-degree relative
• Personal history of breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions
• Dense breast tissue
• Increasing age (risk rises significantly after age 50)

Hormonal factors:

• Early menstruation (before age 12)
• Late menopause (after age 55)
• Having no children or having the first child after age 30
• Use of hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone combined
• Long-term use of birth control pills (may slightly increase risk)
• Lifestyle and environmental factors:
• Alcohol consumption (any amount can increase risk)
• Obesity, particularly after menopause
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Exposure to radiation, especially during youth

It’s important to see a doctor promptly if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, such as a new lump, skin dimpling, nipple changes, or persistent pain. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.

Regular screening through mammograms and clinical exams, combined with self-awareness of how your breasts normally look and feel, can help detect breast cancer early. Some individuals with no known risk factors may still develop breast cancer, while others with multiple risk factors may never develop it.