Abnormal development of cells leads to the growth of tumor, when tumor is malignant in nature they are termed as cancer. The term “breast cancer” refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. Usually breast cancer either begins in the cells of the lobules, which are the milk-producing glands, or the ducts, the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes, small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body.

Causes of Breast Cancer

The exact cause of breast cancer is not known but some causes associated with breast cancer are :
- Age : As the person gets older, chances of having breast cancer increases.
- Family history : Any close relative diagnosed with breast cancer increases the risk factor.
- Early start onset of menses and early menopause are also associated with breast cancer.
- Exposure to chemicals.
- Exposure to radioactive rays increases the chances of breast cancer.
- Late childbearing increases the risk of breast cancer.

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Initially, breast cancer may not cause any symptoms. A lump may be too small for you to feel or to cause any unusual changes you can notice on your own.
* swelling of all or part of the breast.
* skin irritation or dimpling.
* breast pain.
* nipple pain or the nipple turning inward.
* redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.
* a nipple discharge other than breast milk.
* a lump in the underarm area.
These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. It’s important to get any breast changes checked out promptly by a doctor.