Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a disease that starts in the breast tissue. To understand it, you first need to know that your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Normally, these cells grow, divide to make new cells, and die in an organized way. But sometimes, cells start to grow out of control. When this happens in the breast, it’s called breast cancer. Think of your cells like a factory with instruction manuals that tell them what to do. These instructions are in your DNA. Sometimes, the instructions get damaged or changed. When this happens, cells might forget when to stop growing. They keep dividing and making more abnormal cells. These extra cells pile up and form a lump or mass called a tumor. It’s important to know that not every lump in the breast is cancer. Some tumors are benign, which means they’re not cancer. Benign tumors don’t spread to other parts of the body and usually aren’t life-threatening. Malignant tumors are cancerous. These can grow into nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts, which are tiny tubes that carry milk to the nipple. This type is called ductal carcinoma. Other breast cancers start in the lobules, which are the glands that make milk. This is called lobular carcinoma. Breast cancer can also start in other breast tissues, but this is less common. When cancer cells break away from where they started, they can travel through your body in two main ways. They can move through your lymph system, which is like a drainage system in your body, or through your bloodstream. When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, doctors call this metastasis. Even when breast cancer spreads to other organs like the lungs or bones, it’s still called breast cancer because that’s where it started. Scientists are still learning all the reasons why normal cells become cancer cells. Sometimes it’s because of damage that builds up over many years. Sometimes people inherit damaged DNA from their parents. Things in the environment, lifestyle choices, and just random chance can all play a role. In most cases, it’s probably a combination of several factors working together over time. Not all breast cancers are the same. Some grow slowly and stay in one place for a long time. Others grow and spread quickly. Some breast cancer cells have special proteins on their surface that act like locks. Certain treatments work like keys that fit these locks. Understanding what type of breast cancer someone has helps doctors choose the best treatment.