Breast cancer, or mammary cancer, is a disease in which cancerous cells develop in the breast tissues. Although it is more common in women, it can also affect men.
There are several types of breast cancer, but the most common are:
- Invasive ductal carcinoma: This type begins in the ducts that carry milk and can spread to nearby tissues.
- Invasive lobular carcinoma: It originates in the lobules, which are the glands that produce milk, and it can also spread.
Some factors that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer include age, having a family history, certain genetic mutations (such as those in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes), exposure to radiation, and lifestyle habits such as alcohol consumption and obesity.
The symptoms to watch out for are:
- A lump or mass in the breast or in the armpit.
- Changes in the size or shape of the breast.
- Changes in the skin of the breast, such as redness or flaking.
- Nipple discharge.
To diagnose it, mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and biopsies are used. Treatment may vary and include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted treatments, depending on the type and stage of cancer.
Early detection is essential to improve the chances of recovery, so it is recommended that women perform breast self-exams and get mammograms according to public health guidelines. Taking care of oneself is the most important thing!
Projection of new cases and deaths from breast cancer (exclusively in women) in the United States for the year 2025
New cases: 316,950.
Deaths: 42,170.
Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of non-skin cancer among women in the United States. It is estimated that in 2025, approximately 59,080 cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and 316,950 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed. It is expected that around 42,170 women diagnosed with this disease will die from it, which represents less than 1 in 8 cases. In contrast, it is estimated that nearly 60,540 women will lose their lives due to lung cancer in the same year. It is important to note that men make up approximately 1% of the cases and deaths associated with breast cancer.
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