Breast cancer is the most diagnosed invasive tumor type in women. One in 8 women living in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime. Men can also get breast cancer, but the number of cases is much smaller.

How does breast cancer begin?

Breast cancer begins when breast cells start to grow rapidly and don’t die off as normal or healthy cells do. In most cases, the genetic material (DNA) of a healthy cell becomes damaged due to environmental factors. These can include smoking, too much exposure to ultraviolet rays and other forms of radiation, and consuming too much alcohol. When cellular defenses fail to correct the error, abnormal cancerous cells form and continue multiplying, taking up space and resources from healthy cells.

Signs of breast cancer

Many people do not have symptoms of breast cancer. However, some may see physical signs, which can include:

• Changes in the size or shape of breasts
• Pain
• Lumps in the breasts or armpits
• Redness and swelling
• Nipple dimpling or discharge
• Thickening of the skin

A genetic link

Some people are born with genetic mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which greatly increase their chances of developing breast cancer and other cancers later in life.

When someone from your family has a history of aggressive breast cancer before they are 50, you may consider having genetic testing done to see if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Actress Angelina Jolie inherited the BRCA1 mutation from her mother, actress Marcheline Bertrand, who died from breast and ovarian cancer. When Jolie learned about her risk associated with having a copy of a mutated gene, she had a double mastectomy (removal of the breasts) to reduce her chances of becoming sick in the future.

Diagnosis and treatment

As with every cancer, early detection greatly improves your prognosis. A breast self-exam is an easy and efficient way to allow early detection of breast cancer before tumorous cells spread to other organs. The National Breast Cancer Foundation provides video instructions for performing a breast self-exam at home.

Sometimes it is difficult to detect a tumor at early stages by self-exam. The American Cancer Society recommends that women ages 45 to 54 get a mammogram every year. Women 55 and older can switch to mammograms every two years. A mammogram is an X-ray that looks at the breast tissue.

Over the years researchers and clinicians have developed many treatment options for breast cancer, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, immunotherapy and drug therapy. Each person’s treatment plan will be personalized depending on the specific type of breast cancer and how advanced the stage of cancer is. Healthy eating habits, exercise, monthly breast self-examinations, regular mammograms and understanding what changes to look for in your breasts can lower your risk of developing breast cancer or help you get a diagnosis as early as possible.