Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast grow out of control. It typically begins in the lobules or ducts of the breast. Certain factors can increase a person's risk of breast cancer. Examples include being assigned female at birth, being over the age of 50 years, certain genetic mutations, family history of breast cancer, and taking certain hormones.
Can men get breast cancer?
People assigned male at birth can get breast cancer. Around 1 in every 100 cases of breast cancer in the United States occur in men. The most common types of breast cancer that affect men include invasive ductal carcinoma and ductal carcinoma in situ. Common symptoms of breast cancer in men include a lump in the breast, swelling, irritation, dimpling of the breast skin, flaky skin, redness or discoloration, nipple pain, and discharge.
What is triple-negative breast cancer?
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer where the cancer cells do not have estrogen, progesterone, or HER2 protein receptors. In most cases, breast cancer cells will have at least one of the three receptors, and this can help guide treatment. However, with TNBC, none of the receptors is present. This can make it more difficult to treat, though chemotherapy may be an effective treatment option for TNBC. Around 10% to 15% of breast cancer cases are TNBC.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
A lump or mass is the most common symptom of breast cancer. A breast cancer lump is typically firm and painless, though some people may have a soft lump or pain. Other symptoms of breast cancer may include swelling, dimpling of the skin, redness or discoloration, nipple retraction, discharge, and swollen lymph nodes near the collarbone or under the arm. Learn more about breast cancer symptoms.
