Breast Cancer: What Is It and What Is the Prevalence?
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow uncontrollably, often forming a tumor. It usually starts in the milk ducts or lobules (glands that produce milk). While breast cancer primarily affects women, men can also develop the disease, though this is much rarer.
There are various types of breast cancer including:
- Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS),
- Invasive ductal carcinoma, and
- Invasive lobular carcinoma
Symptoms can include:
- A lump in the breast,
- Changes in breast shape or texture,
- Nipple discharge, or skin dimpling
Prevalence of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Each year, more than 2.3 million women are diagnosed with breast cancer, accounting for roughly 12% of all new cancer cases globally. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer during their lifetime. The risk increases with age, particularly for women over 50, but younger women can also be affected.
While the prevalence of breast cancer has been rising, especially in low- and middle-income countries, advances in detection and treatment have improved survival rates in many parts of the world. In countries with good healthcare access, early detection through mammograms and awareness of symptoms have helped reduce the impact of the disease.
Despite this, breast cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, making regular screenings and awareness crucial in fighting its prevalence.