Today we are going to learn about breast cancer, a disease that affects thousands of women every year.

What is Cancer?

What is Breast Cancer? Every day, cells in your body divide, grow and die. Most of the time cells divide and grow in an orderly manner. Sometimes, cells grow out of control and this type of growth forms a mass or lump called a tumor. Tumors are either benign or malignant.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

How Does Breast Cancer Grow & Spread? Benign (bee-NINE) tumors are not cancerous and once removed typically do not come back. Malignant (ma-LIG-nant) tumors are made of abnormal cells and are cancerous. Tumors of this kind can spread & invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. A malignant tumor that develops in the breast is called breast cancer.

Why Does Cancer Grow? We all have genes that control the way our cells divide and grow. When these genes do not work like they should, a genetic error or mutation occurs. Mutations can be inherited or spontaneous. Spontaneous mutations are responsible for 90-95% of all breast cancers in the U.S.

Breast Anatomy

Breast Cancer Growth To grow, malignant breast cancer tumors need to be fed and accomplish this by developing new blood vessels in a process called angiogenesis. As the malignant breast tumor grows, it can expand into nearby tissue in a process called invasion. Cells can also break away from the main tumor and spread to other parts of the body in a process called metastasis. Even though the tumor is growing in another part of the body, it is still called breast cancer.

Who Gets Breast Cancer? The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood but it is clear that age, gender, and lifetime exposure to estrogen along with other factors are key. The older a woman is, the more her chances of getting breast cancer increase. Young women can and do develop breast cancer.

Can Men Get Breast Cancer? One out of every one hundred cases of breast cancer reported will occur in a man. Age, chronic liver disorders, alcoholism, and obesity increase chances of developing breast cancer in men. Genetic conditions associated with high estrogen levels can lead to breast cancer in men.

Breast Cancer Develops in Stages

Spread the Word Remind the women in your life to practice regular self exams at least by age 20. Encourage family members and friends to schedule a mammogram by age 40 and every 1 to 2 years after that. Remember those who have battled and won and those who fought bravely but didn’t make it and share their stories.

These are cute but remember, they were created to support research and a cure.

Early Detection is Key

What Can You Do?

Breast Cancer Myths Don’t contribute to the spread of breast cancer by spreading myths. Myths: Only women with a family history are at risk. Small breasted women don’t get breast cancer. Underwire bras cause breast cancer.

More Myths Wearing antiperspirant causes breast cancer. Caffeine causes breast cancer. Breast implants cause breast cancer. Having an abortion causes breast cancer. Mammograms increase risk of breast cancer due to exposure to radiation. There are no credible studies or research to support any of these ideas.

Show Your Support Purchase a pink ribbon and wear it all week 10/31 – 11/4 Wear Pink!!! On Tuesday 11/1

Be a Community Contributor Donate to Breast Cancer Research Participate in a run or a walk like one of the following: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Susan G. Koman 3-Day & Race For The Cure Revlon Run/Walk For Breast Cancer