What is breast cancer?
How a tumor forms in the breast, and why catching it early is almost everything.
Breast cancer develops when cells in the breast tissue start to multiply in an uncontrolled way. The breast is made up of glandular tissue, where milk is produced, along with milk ducts and connective and fatty tissue. Most tumors begin in the cells of the milk ducts or the milk-producing lobules.
In the beginning, a tumor like this stays in one spot. Over time it can grow into the surrounding tissue and spread through the lymph or blood vessels to form deposits elsewhere, known as metastases. That is exactly why early detection matters so much: the earlier a tumor is found, the smaller it usually is, and the gentler the treatment can be.
Good to know: not every change in the breast is cancer. The vast majority of lumps are benign. Even so, any new, persistent change should be checked by a doctor. Benign changes in the breast
This content is for information only and does not replace medical advice.