About Breast Cancer

What is Cancer

Cancer is a group of many related diseases that begin in cells, the body’s basic building blocks. To understand cancer, it is helpful to know what happens when normal cells become cancerous.




Blood vessels include a network of arteries, capillaries, and veins through which the blood circulates in the body. The lymphatic system carries lymph and white blood cells to all the tissues of the body. By moving through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, cancer can spread from the original (primary) cancer site to form new tumors in other organs. The spread of cancer is called metastasis.

Symptoms & Risk Factors

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in this country. However, improvements in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment have increased the survival rate for many types of cancer. Get the facts and remain informed.

  • The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass. A mass that is painless, hard, and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous but some rare cancers are tender, soft, and rounded.
  • A generalized swelling of part of a breast (even if no distinct lump is felt).
  • Breast skin irritation or dimpling.
  • Nipple pain or retraction (turning inward), redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin.
  • Discharge other than breast milk.
  • Having early onset of menstrual periods or late menopause.
  • Never having children or having first child after age 30.
  • Obesity, especially after menopause.

What Causes Cancer?


Although being infected with certain viruses, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), increases the risk of some types of cancer, cancer is not contagious. A person cannot catch cancer from someone who has the disease. Scientists also know that an injury or bruise does not cause cancer.