The American Cancer Society estimated that there will be over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer this year. Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump.
Learning the basic facts of this disease can help in early diagnosis, which can have an impact on the disease progress and prognosis.
What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer
- It can start from different parts of the breast
Breast cancer can start from different areas of the breast. In many cases, it can start in the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. In some cases, it may start in the glands that produce breast milk. And in a small number of breast cancer cases, it may start in other tissues in the breast. - It’s not just about the lump
Although a breast lump is common in many breast cancer cases, a lot of people don’t realize that there are other signs to watch out for. These include redness, swelling, itchiness of the breast, changes in the nipple, and puckering of the breast. - It’s more prevalent among women
Breast cancer can affect both men and women. However, it’s more common in women. Considered as the second leading cause of death in women, it is estimated that 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lives. - There are factors that play into developing breast cancer
Being a woman and getting older are main factors that can increase one’s risk of getting breast cancer. Other factors that can predispose someone to breast cancer include a family history of breast cancer, having radiation therapy to the breast or chest area, being overweight, taking oral contraceptives and hormone-replacing agents, and having a history of a breast-related issue. - It can be treated
Breast cancer can be treated. People diagnosed with breast cancer have different treatment options including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.
Premier Surgical of Knoxville offers state-of-the-art breast cancer surgery and care. Our experienced surgeons will take care of you from assessment to treatment, and every step of the process. We offer innovative treatment options for breast cancer including breast-conserving surgery and short-duration, breast-conserving, targeted radiation therapy. For more information, visit the Premier Surgical Breast Cancer webpage.