These sites of spread are known as metastases . Click here to see a video on how breast cancer develops The term cancer represents a very diverse spectrum of diseases. All cancers share the common characteristics of unregulated cell growth and the ability to metastasize . However, different types of cancers vary greatly in their biological behavior, ability to spread, required treatments, and degree of risk they pose to a patient. For this reason, breast cancer patients should think of their disease independently from the experiences friends or family members may have had with a different type of malignancy.
Breast cancer is one of the most feared and serious diseases affecting women.
Increased attention by the national media, women advocacy groups, and the public health sectors has helped to make the public more aware of its importance. Even with this increased awareness, many misconceptions remain. Very few patients appreciate how diverse a spectrum of disease breast cancer represents. Not every breast cancer has the same cell of origin. Breast cancers can also vary quite dramatically in their growth rate and propensity to spread.