The incidence of breast cancer among women in the United States appears to be rising. It is estimated that one out of every eight to nine women in this country develops breast cancer in her lifetime. Despite recent progress in early detection, as well as improved treatment, breast cancer is the third leading cause of death for women in the United States. Any woman can get breast cancer. Although it is much less common, males too can have breast cancer.
Some women are more likely to develop breast cancer than others.
The first sign of breast cancer is usually a lump in the breast. At this time in the course of the disease there are generally no other symptoms. Most breast lumps are not cancer. Often they are fluid-filled cysts within the breast tissue that wax and wane with the menstrual cycle. But every lump must be evaluated.