Definition of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is according to the definition given by the National Cancer Institute, that form of cancer which occurs in the breast. This is a simple definition certainly and an accurate one, but there is more to it. For instance, what part of the breast does it attack? Does it attack one sex more than another? Let’s delve into this just a little more and see if we can’t get a clearer picture of just what this cancer is.
First of all, although we all tend to think of breast cancer as a women’s disease it does indeed also attack men, although on a small enough scale as to be considered rare.
Definition of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer first of all attacks that part of the breast known as the ducts, those tubes located in the breast that carry the milk from the glands which manufacture milk, known as the lobules, to the nipples. This form of this cancer is known as ductal carcinoma and is the most common form of this cancer, being the type that occurs in eighty-five to ninety percent of the cases of this cancer diagnosed.
The next most common form of breast cancer is that which is called lobular carcinoma. This is the type that attacks that area in the lobe that ends in a large group of tiny bulbs that actually manufacture the milk. This kind of this cancer occurs in about eight percent of the cases of this cancer diagnosed.
It is important to note that breast cancer does not limit itself to just the area of the breasts but as it grows, it spreads to other parts of the body, and not just necessarily to those parts of the body to which the breasts are adjacent.
This cancer is one form of cancer for which a person can do a self examination. This sort of examination is important and should be done on a regular basis, on the average of at least once a month.
It is also important to have regular professional medical examinations for breast cancer and this included mammograms. Mammograms should be given on the average of once every four years for women from ages twenty to forty. After that, they should be given every year for women from forty on.
Breast cancer in all of its forms is a fast acting enemy. It is important that we act fast also. Don’t wait for this cancer to make the first move.
Definition of Breast Cancer
