Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast tissue begin to grow and divide without being under the control of the body. Breast cancer can be graded based on size, location, spread, and even features of the cells themselves. While breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, not all people who contract breast cancer will die from it. Survival varies depending on the type of tumor that arises.
What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer begins in the cells of the breast. The cells mutate and grow uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor.
Staging Based on Tumor Location
One method of staging breast cancer is to classify it based on how localized the tumor is. This classification grades tumors based on size as well as the extent to which they have spread to the lymph nodes.
Staging Based on Cell Appearance
Breast cancer can also be staged based on how closely the cells resemble normal breast tissue. The more "normal" the cells look, the better the prognosis.
Staging Based on Response to Hormones
Breast cancer cells can also be staged with respect to whether they still respond to certain sex hormones. Tumors that are unresponsive to hormones are considered more serious.
Breast Cancer Statistics
Approximately one in eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer, and roughly one in 33 women will die from breast cancer.
Tags: Breast cancer, Staging Based, also staged, based size, breast cancer, Breast Cancer
