What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer where cells in the breast tissue divide and grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled way and cause a tumour to form.

There are millions of cells in your body and each cell contains thousands and thousands of genes. Genes contain information, which control cell behavior. If the genes in even a single cell malfunction, cancer can occur. Gene malfunction can be caused by exposure to cancer-causing agents in the environment or may be the result of rare errors in the normal mechanisms that replicate and repair or cells. It may also be inherited.

How is breast cancer treated?

Breast cancer is not one single disease and cannot be treated as such. It is found in many forms and various stages. Thanks to progress in research in the past decade, we now have the sophistication to tailor treatments. Anyone with breast cancer should consult with a medical oncologist to determine her or his specific treatment needs. The main types of breast cancer treatment include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.