Worldwide breast cancer is the most common kind of cancer in women. Although it is more common in women than in men, it is not exclusive to women.

The first signs and symptoms of breast cancer are usually lumps in the chest. A woman may discover a lump during a routine breast self examination. Other signs of breast cancer include changes in the shape of the breast, nipple discharge or a nipple suddenly becoming inverted.

The risk factors include sex, age, family history of the cancer, lack of childbearing or breastfeeding, race, higher hormone levels, obesity and even alcohol abuse. Since the early detection of breast cancer makes the disease more treatable, women are advised to do regular breast self examinations and mammograms as instructed.

The treatment for this kind of cancer depends on the stage the cancer is in. Cancers caught out in early stages will be treated with surgery while those at a later stage will need chemotherapy and/or radiation besides surgery.