What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent and well-known cancers affecting women globally. It can start in either the left or right breast or both. Cancer develops when cells start to multiply abnormally. Women are most commonly affected by breast cancer, although rare, men can potentially develop breast cancer too.

Types of Breast Cancer
There are several types of breast cancer, and they can be broadly categorized into two main groups: invasive and non-invasive (or in situ) breast cancers. Here are some common types within these categories:

1. Non-Invasive (In Situ): This refers to breast cancers that have not spread past the duct or lobule where they started
- Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS): DCIS is the most common type of non-invasive breast cancer. It originates in the milk ducts of the breast and has not spread into the surrounding tissue.
- Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS): LCIS is a condition where abnormal cells are found in the lobules (milk-producing glands) of the breast. It is not considered cancer but can be a marker for an increased risk of developing invasive breast cancer.

2. Invasive Breast Cancers: These have spread or invaded the surrounding breast tissue.
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of invasive breast cancer. It begins in the milk ducts but then invades the surrounding breast tissue.

3. Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): ILC starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and can spread to other areas of the breast.

Risk Factors of Breast cancer
A risk factor is a condition that enhances the likelihood of developing a disease, such as breast cancer. However, having one or more risk factors does not guarantee that you will get the disease. Some risk factors for breast cancer cannot be controlled, such as age or inheriting specific gene mutations, while others may be controlled by the individual. These include:
- Age
- Sex
- Genetics and family history
- Reproductive history
- Smoking
- Use of alcoholic beverages
- Obesity
- Radiation exposure
- Replacement hormone treatment

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