Basic Breast Cancer Facts

• One in eight women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.
• Male breast cancer can occur at any age, but is most common in older men.
• Breast cancer is caused by an uncontrolled growth of breast cells.
• Often there are no symptoms of breast cancer, but the first sign is typically a lump or abnormality in the breast.
• Symptoms can include breast pain, nipple discharge other than breast milk, a lump under the arm, swelling of all or part of the breast, or skin irritation.
• The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are age, gender, and medical or family history.
• Simple risk factors that can be controlled are diet, weight, exercise, stress and anxiety.