Breast cancer Facts for Kids

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast. It happens when cells in the breast grow out of control. These cells can form a lump or a mass.

Over the years, more people have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is partly due to changes in how people live, especially in Western countries. While it's more common in females, males can also get breast cancer because both have similar breast tissues. However, it is much less common in males.

When someone has breast cancer, doctors have different ways to help. They might remove the cancer with surgery. They can also use special medicines or treatments that use energy to kill the cancer cells. Sometimes, more than one treatment is needed.

What is Breast Cancer?
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What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer begins when cells in the breast start to grow abnormally. These cells divide too quickly and do not die as normal cells do. This uncontrolled growth can form a lump, which is also called a tumor.

Not all lumps in the breast are cancer. Many are benign, meaning they are not harmful. However, it is important for a doctor to check any new lump or change in the breast.

How Does Breast Cancer Start?

Our bodies are made of tiny building blocks called cells. Normally, cells grow, divide, and then die in an organized way. Cancer happens when this process goes wrong.

In breast cancer, some cells in the breast tissue begin to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor. If not treated, these cancer cells can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.

Who Can Get Breast Cancer?

Anyone can get breast cancer, but some people have a higher chance. It is much more common in women, especially as they get older.

Things that can increase the risk include family history of breast cancer. This means if close relatives like your mother or sister had it. Lifestyle choices, like what you eat and how much you exercise, can also play a role.

How Do Doctors Find Breast Cancer?

Finding breast cancer early is very important. Doctors use different methods to check for it.

One common way is a mammogram. This is a special X-ray of the breast. It can show changes in the breast tissue that might be too small to feel.

Doctors also do physical exams. They feel the breast for any lumps or changes. Sometimes, an ultrasound or MRI scan is used to get a clearer picture.

How Is Breast Cancer Treated?

Doctors have several ways to treat breast cancer. The best treatment depends on the type of cancer and how far it has spread.

Surgery

Surgery is often the first step. Doctors can remove the cancer in a few ways:

Lumpectomy: This surgery removes only the tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it.
Mastectomy: This surgery removes the entire breast.

Other Treatments

After surgery, or sometimes instead of it, other treatments may be used:

Chemotherapy: This uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells throughout the body. The medicines can be given by mouth or through a vein.
Radiation therapy: This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells in the breast area.
Hormone therapy: Some breast cancers grow because of hormones. This treatment blocks the effects of these hormones.
Targeted therapy: These medicines attack specific parts of cancer cells that help them grow. They are more focused than chemotherapy.

Doctors often use a combination of these treatments to give the best chance of a cure.