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Every day, your cells divide, grow and die. Most of the time this process happens as it should, but sometimes your cells grow out of control. That forms a lump or mass that is called a tumor. Tumors can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant. Breast cancer occurs when a malignant tumor forms in the breast.
To keep growing, tumors need to nourish themselves. In a process called angiogenesis, the tumor develops new blood vessels to supply it with nutrients that support growth. As the tumor grows, it can spread into nearby tissue. Cells from the primary tumor can break off and travel through the lymphatic system or bloodstream to invade other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. When new cells land in other parts of the body, they grow out of control again and form new tumors. Most commonly, breast cancer metastases form in the lungs, liver, lymph nodes, brain and bones.
No one knows precisely what sets this process into motion, but it can happen before there are any symptoms of the disease. While there are genetic and lifestyle factors that put you at risk, your primary risk factors include being a woman and getting older. One in eight women will battle breast cancer in her lifetime.
That's why it's so important that every woman have regular breast exams, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer. The sooner cancer is detected, the better your chance of survival.
Understand more about the structure and function of your breasts.
