Breast cancer is a cancer which begins in the cells of the breast. There are many different types of breast cancer depending on where the cancer starts, and how it progresses. Some types are more prevalent than other types. The various types each have their own unique risks and likelihood of cure.

According to recent research conducted by the American Cancer Society, on an average 12.5% females are bound to suffer from breast cancer. Although cancer of the mammary glands is not as widespread as heart ailments, nonetheless it evokes morbid dread due to the possibility of illness, fatality, and mutilation. Any female's breast cancer risk is determined on several complex issues that are not yet well understood.

The factors that are included in breast cancer risk are family history,individual genetic variation and previous history if any of breast lesion. The lesser common factors of breast cancer risk include earlier biopsies that have been abnormal,the age of the woman at the time of her first born,the age at which she started menstruation, age of menopause, obesity, any exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. These besides many more causes. Even though the list is long, seven out of every ten women detected of cancer had no obvious risk factors for breast cancer.

The exact causes of breast cancer and its risks are not truly known although they are matters that continue to be heavily researched. But experts have developed tools to help each woman identify and understand the risks that pertain to her in particular so that she can take actions to reduce or eliminate those risks. Obesity is one risk for breast cancer that can be dealt with. These tools can be found on various web sites on the Internet, including those of major universities and institutions that deal with research and treatment of breast cancer.

Although women worldwide are afraid of breast cancer, and rightfully so, most lumps are just abnormal tissue growths that turn out to be benign. These growths are usually called tumors, a term which can be applied to both cancerous and non-cancerous growths.

Any breast abnormality should be reported to a doctor, who will follow up with the appropriate tests to determine the nature of the abnormality. Screening tests, including the mammogram, should be performed on a routine basis as recommended by a physician. Much more information regarding breast cancer and breast cancer risk is available online, and through your health care professional.