Claim: Lumps are possible signs of cancer that often occur in the breasts.

Breast cancer is cancer that develops from breast tissue . Signs of breast cancer may include a lump in the breast , a change in breast shape , dimpling of the skin , fluid coming from the nipple , or a red scaly patch of skin . In those with distant spread of the disease , there may be bone pain , swollen lymph nodes , shortness of breath , or yellow skin .   Risk factors for developing breast cancer include being female , obesity , lack of physical exercise , drinking alcohol , hormone replacement therapy during menopause , ionizing radiation , early age at first menstruation , having children late or not at all , older age , and family history . About 5 -- 10 % of cases are due to genes inherited from a person 's parents , including BRCA1 and BRCA2 among others . Breast cancer most commonly develops in cells from the lining of milk ducts and the lobules that supply the ducts with milk . Cancers developing from the ducts are known as ductal carcinomas , while those developing from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas . In addition , there are more than 18 other sub-types of breast cancer . Some cancers , such as ductal carcinoma in situ , develop from pre-invasive lesions . The diagnosis of breast cancer is confirmed by taking a biopsy of the concerning lump . Once the diagnosis is made , further tests are done to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the breast and which treatments it may respond to .   The balance of benefits versus harms of breast cancer screening is controversial . A 2013 Cochrane review stated that it is unclear if mammographic screening does more good or harm . A 2009 review for the US Preventive Services Task Force found evidence of benefit in those 40 to 70 years of age , and the organization recommends screening every two years in women 50 to 74 years old . The medications tamoxifen or raloxifene may be used in an effort to prevent breast cancer in those who are at high risk of developing it . Surgical removal of both breasts is another preventative measure in some high risk women . In those who have been diagnosed with cancer , a number of treatments may be used , including surgery , radiation therapy , chemotherapy , hormonal therapy and targeted therapy . Types of surgery vary from breast-conserving surgery to mastectomy . Breast reconstruction may take place at the time of surgery or at a later date . In those in whom the cancer has spread to other parts of the body , treatments are mostly aimed at improving quality of life and comfort .   Outcomes for breast cancer vary depending on the cancer type , extent of disease , and person 's age . Survival rates in the developed world are high , with between 80 % and 90 % of those in England and the United States alive for at least 5 years . In developing countries survival rates are poorer . Worldwide , breast cancer is the leading type of cancer in women , accounting for 25 % of all cases . In 2012 it resulted in 1.68 million new cases and 522,000 deaths . It is more common in developed countries and is more than 100 times more common in women than in men .