According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is a malignancy that starts from cells of the breast. A woman’s breast is made up of milk glands called lobules and small connective tubes (called ducts) that allow the milk to pass from the gland to the nipple, fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymph vessels. Most breast cancers start in the ducts while others occur in the glands and peripheral tissues.

Next to skin cancer, breast cancer is the most widespread cancer among women. And it is the second leading cause of cancer death for females. About 211,240 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year and about 40,410 women will die from the disease.

However, death rates are decreasing, probably due to early detection and the powerful support communities promoting awareness in the United States. There are various treatments for breast cancer and we encourage any woman or man with breast cancer to get a second opinion before choosing a course of treatment, and to avail themselves of the various programs endorsed by the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.