Explained: what exactly is "breast cancer"?
Many of us have either heard of or even know someone who has been affected by breast cancer... but what exactly is it?
Today we will talk about breast cancer: What it is, what it does to the human body, and why both men and women can be diagnosed with it.
First off, what is "cancer"?
Your body is made up of tiny building blocks called cells, and cancer is when those cells change and grow out of control. Normal cells grow when your body needs them, and die when your body doesn't need them any longer. On the other hand, cancer is made up of abnormal cells that grow even when your body doesn’t need them. In most types of cancer, the abnormal cells grow to form a lump or mass called a tumor.
Okay, then what is "breast cancer"?
Breast cancer is cancer that starts in the breast. It occurs when cells in the breast are changed and start to grow out of control. The ducts and lobules are 2 parts of the breast where cancer is most likely to start.
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Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women and to this day, doctors don't know exactly what causes it. Once breast cancer occurs, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it life-threatening. The good news is that breast cancer is often found early, when it's small and before it has spread.
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Can men get breast cancer?
Yes, men can get breast cancer. Although it does occur as often in men than it does in women, both men and women have breast tissue that can turn into cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, less than 1 in 100 of all breast cancers occur in men, making it very rare. However, it's about 100 times more common in women.
Does UCLA Health have specialists that focus on breast cancer and breast health?
Yes, UCLA Health does have a program that focuses specifically on breast health and breast cancer called the UCLA Breast Center. This program of UCLA Health is designed for women and men who have breast concerns such as an abnormal breast imaging study, seeking surgical treatment or are newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
The staff at UCLA Health understand how difficult this time can be and offer a unique, streamlined approach to breast cancer care that is designed to ease your concerns, while meeting your health care needs. Whether looking for tests, treatments, or options for those in recovery, the UCLA Breast Center team of UCLA Health is here for you.
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