B.reast cancer is a type of malignant tumor that develops from cells found within the b.reast. A malignant tumor is one that can progress and invade other surrounding tissues and organs, making them sick as well. Though it is more prevalent in women, it is also know to occur in men. According to the American Cancer Society, one out of every eight women run the risk of developing b.reast cancer during their lifetime. Making it the second most common from of cancer among women; after skin cancer.



Causes of B.reast Cancer

Researchers are still trying to figure out the real causes of b.reast cancer. However, they’ve been able to identify some risk factors. A risk factor is anything that predisposes a person to developing a disease. It does not guarantee that the person will contract the disease neither is it a prediction for future diagnosis. But some of the risk factors associated with b.reast cancer include:

Age

The chances of developing b.reast cancer increases with increasing age. About 80% of women that are diagnosed with this cancer are usually 50 years and above. This does not mean that women who are younger are not at risk. They too are susceptible just that the prevalence amongst the younger demographic is a lot lower.

Heredity

If your mom, sister or aunt has had b.reast cancer, then your chance of getting it is really high indeed. While a woman’s family history may play a big role in whether or not she would develop cancer, it does not mean that women who come from families without a history of b.reast cancer cannot get the disease. It has been estimated that up to 80% of women that develop b.reast cancer come from families without a history of the disease. Also women that have had b.reast cancer in the past stand a higher risk of getting it again.


Race

Caucasian women have been diagnosed with b.reast cancer more than any other race of. While they are most at risk, Negroid women are the ones that die most from b.reast cancer. Women of Asian, Hispanic and North America descent are less at risk.



Alcohol Consumption

Women who take alcohol also run a high risk of having b.reast cancer. And the risk increases with


Family Planning Choices

The risk of b.reast cancer increases in women who decide not to have children at all or who have babies beyond age 30.


Genetics

Genetics may account for about 10% of the cases of women diagnosed with b.reast cancer. This usually occurs when a mutated gene is handed down from a parent to a daughter. The most common form of this genetic mutation is the BRCA gene pair. It is commonly known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes help to regulate cell growth and repair DNA. But when they are mutated, they do not function properly. Those that are carriers of these BRCA genes run a higher risk of getting b.reast cancer.



Symptoms of B.reast Cancer

A disturbing lump in the b.reast is usually what promotes a woman to go see her doctor but there are many other symptoms of b.reast cancer. These symptoms include:


read further for symptoms to look out for and available treatments @: http://everywomanmag.com/?p=345