Breast cancer is the cancer that starts in the breast cells. Many kinds of breast cancer exist depending on where it starts and how it progresses. Some are more prevalent than others. The different kinds all have unique risks and likelihood of a cure.

Estimates from the American Cancer Society say that one out of every eight women will battle breast cancer. Although it is not as prevalent as other diseases, including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer is particularly scary because of the risks of illness, disfigurement, and death it brings with it. We don't yet understand all of the complicated factors required to determine a particular woman's breast cancer risk.

Breast cancer risk factors are numerous and include things like age, family history, and a prior history of breast problems. Other risk factors include the age at the onset of menstruation, the age at menopause, the age at which a woman first had children, obsesity, prior abnormal biopsies, and exposure to radiation or certain kinds of chemicals. Even though there are many risk factors, seventy percent of women who are diagnosed with breast cancer had none of these risk factors.

The exact causes of breast cancer and its risks are not truly known although they are matters that continue to be heavily researched. But experts have developed tools to help each woman identify and understand the risks that pertain to her in particular so that she can take actions to reduce or eliminate those risks. Obesity is one risk for breast cancer that can be dealt with. These tools can be found on various web sites on the Internet, including those of major universities and institutions that deal with research and treatment of breast cancer.

Merely the word tumors is often enough to strike fear. However, this simply means an abnormal growth; there is no definitive link with cancer. Although it is natural that women are nervous about any lumps, it is always best to discuss such findings promptly with your doctor before worrying too much as the majority turn out to be non-cancerous and benign.

Any breast abnormality should be reported to a doctor, who will follow up with the appropriate tests to determine the nature of the abnormality. Screening tests, including the mammogram, should be performed on a routine basis as recommended by a physician. Much more information regarding breast cancer and breast cancer risk is available online, and through your health care professional.