Breast cancer is a disease which starts in the breast, wherein cancer cells form and grow out of control. The breast is made up of lobules, ducts, fatty and connective tissue, blood vessels and lymph vessels. The lobules, and ducts are the glands and tubes which make and carry breast milk to the nipple. These lobules and ducts are the two most likely areas cancerous cells develop.

• According to the CDC, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women.
• 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.
• 1 in 1,000 men will develop breast cancer over the course of their lifetime.
• In women with a mother, sister or daughter who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, her risk doubles.
• Some breast cancers are linked to gene mutations which are inherited from a person’s natural parents. The most common mutations are of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
• Significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender (female) and age.
• Women under 30 have a 0.44% chance of developing breast cancer over their next 10 years. By the age of 50, that number increases to 2.31%.