When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, they are called cancers. Cancer of the breast is one of the most common cancers in women.

Breast cancer is a treatable and curable disease. Early detection is the key to a cure. The cancer usually starts as a small lump. However, with time the lump may grow and spread to nearby areas, such as the skin or the lymph nodes under the arm. The tumor may also spread to organs such as the liver, brain, lungs, and bones. If breast cancer is found early, before it spreads, it can be cured.

The cause of breast cancer is not known. Any woman can get breast cancer, but some women are more likely to develop it than others. You have a higher risk of breast cancer if you have a mother, sister, or daughter who has had breast cancer; if you had your first menstrual period when you were 12 years old or younger, if your menopause (when you stopped having periods) was after the age of 55, if you are over age 50. (Four out of five breast cancers occur in women over age 50), if you never gave birth to a child or you had your first child after age 30, if you had radiation therapy to the chest (including your breasts) before age 30, if you have taken estrogen in high doses after menopause, or if you are obese after going through menopause.

Also, some studies suggest that if you are a heavy drinker of alcohol, you have a greater risk of breast cancer.