Breast Cancer-logy

BARRY CHEUNG
Staff Writer

Breast cancer is a group of cancer cells that start in the cells of the breast. It is the most common type of cancer that affects women in the United States. In addtion, research proves that men are prone to this disease as well. The two main types of breast cancer are non-invasive cancer and invasive breast cancer. Non-invasive breast cancer has cells that stay in the milk ducts of the breast, while invasive breast cancer cells spread into other bodily tissues.
Factors such as family genetics, alcohol consumption and the age a female begins her period also contributes to the risk of obtaining breast cancer. When a woman gets her first period before the age 12, she has a higher chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer because of the prolonged exposure to the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
Symptoms include changes in breast size, blood leaking out of the nipple and skin changes on the breast. An individual should consult a doctor immediatly if any suspicions of these symptoms arise.
Detecting breast cancer at an early stage can prevent further multiplication of cancer cells.