Breast cancer is a cancer which begins in the cells of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer depending on where the cancer starts, and how it progresses. Some types are more prevalent than other types. The various types each have their own unique risks and likelihood of cure.

The American Cancer Society estimates that one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point during their lives. Though not as prevalent as other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, breast cancer is widely feared because of the associated risks of death, illness, and disfigurement. A particular woman's breast cancer risk is dependent on many complicated factors which are not yet well understood.

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.

Changes to the breast, including any noticeable abnormalities, should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician. Appropriate follow up tests can determine the nature of the problem. Tests to screen for breast cancer, such as the mammogram, should be performed as recommended by your doctor. You can find much more information about breast cancer risk online, and through your health care provider.