From Pam Stephan,
Your Guide to Breast Cancer.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD

Breast cancer is a malignant (cancerous) growth that begins in the tissues of the breast. Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow in an uncontrolled way. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, but it can also appear in men. In the U.S., it affects one in eight women.

The most common types of breast cancer are:

• ductal carcinoma (85 - 90% of all cases)
• lobular carcinoma (8% of all cases)

Less common are:

• inflammatory breast cancer (occurs in the skin)
• Paget's disease of the nipple

Symptoms of Breast Cancer:

• a lump or a thickening in the breast or in the armpit
• a change of size or shape of the mature breast
• fluid (not milk) leaking from the nipple
• a change of size or shape of the nipple
• a change of color or texture of the nipple or the areola, or of the skin of the breast itself (dimples, puckers, rash)
• Read more details about symptoms of breast cancer

If You Have Breast Pain

Early stages of breast cancer may not cause any pain or discomfort. Having a regular mammogram and a clinical breast exam by your health professional can help you understand changes in your breasts. Doing your breast self-exam can help you keep track of regular monthly changes.

Remember, many lumps and rashes are benign (not cancerous) and can respond well to proper treatment. If you experience any symptoms that cause you concern, see your doctor.

Treatments for breast cancer, as well as survival rates, are improving. Early detection and medical help is critical to improving the chances of living beyond a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Read about breast cancer symptoms and their explanations