About one in eight women develop breast cancer. Men also can have breast cancer although it is much less common in men. However, surgery may involve removing all of the breast. When abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, they are called cancers. It is not known why many cancers occur.
Some women are more likely to have breast cancer than others.
You have never breast-fed a baby or you had your first child after age 30. You started your menstrual period very early or you went through menopause very late. Taking birth control pills and oral estrogen does not seem to increase the risk of breast cancer. Most women find the lump themselves during a breast self-exam. Usually the lump is painless and it may be difficult to feel at first.