How long develop breast cancer

With most breast cancers, each division takes one to two months, so by the time you can feel a cancerous lump, the cancer has been in your body for two to five years. It can certainly seem like a lump appeared out of nowhere — especially if you or your doctor have recently examined your breasts and not felt anything suspicious — but in reality, the cancer has simply doubled that one last time necessary to be noticeable.

By the time you can feel it, a breast tumor is usually a little more than one-half inch in size — about a third the size of a golf ball. It has also been in your body long enough to have had a chance to spread. This sounds scary, but what it really underscores is the importance of regular mammograms.

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Rely on them for practical and emotional support. Find someone to talk with, maybe a friend, relative, clergy member, or medical social worker. A support group can be really helpful to connect with others who have been down this road before. The outlook on breast cancer has improved immensely. Research and scientific advancement have made this disease a very treatable one. With new and constantly improving therapies and expert care, there is plenty of hope.

If you'd like to learn even more about breast cancer, watch our other related videos or visit mayoclinic. We wish you well. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States.

Breast cancer can occur in both men and women, but it's far more common in women. Substantial support for breast cancer awareness and research funding has helped created advances in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease is steadily declining, largely due to factors such as earlier detection, a new personalized approach to treatment and a better understanding of the disease.

Breast cancer care at Mayo Clinic. Breast and nipple changes can be a sign of breast cancer. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice anything unusual. If you find a lump or other change in your breast — even if a recent mammogram was normal — make an appointment with your doctor for prompt evaluation. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.

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You will receive the first breast cancer email in your inbox shortly, which will include information on treatment, diagnosis, surgery and how breast cancer teams at Mayo Clinic approach personalized care. Doctors know that breast cancer occurs when some breast cells begin to grow abnormally. These cells divide more rapidly than healthy cells do and continue to accumulate, forming a lump or mass.

Cells may spread metastasize through your breast to your lymph nodes or to other parts of your body. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer may also begin in the glandular tissue called lobules invasive lobular carcinoma or in other cells or tissue within the breast.

Researchers have identified hormonal, lifestyle and environmental factors that may increase your risk of breast cancer. But it's not clear why some people who have no risk factors develop cancer, yet other people with risk factors never do. It's likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.

Doctors estimate that about 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations passed through generations of a family. A number of inherited mutated genes that can increase the likelihood of breast cancer have been identified. The most well-known are breast cancer gene 1 BRCA1 and breast cancer gene 2 BRCA2 , both of which significantly increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancer.

If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, your doctor may recommend a blood test to help identify specific mutations in BRCA or other genes that are being passed through your family. Consider asking your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor, who can review your family health history. A genetic counselor can also discuss the benefits, risks and limitations of genetic testing to assist you with shared decision-making.

A breast cancer risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you'll get breast cancer. But having one or even several breast cancer risk factors doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop breast cancer. Many women who develop breast cancer have no known risk factors other than simply being women. To perform a breast self-exam for breast awareness, use a methodical approach that ensures you cover your entire breast.

For instance, imagine that your breasts are divided into equal wedges, like pieces of a pie, and sweep your fingers along each piece in toward your nipple. Ask your doctor about breast cancer screening. Discuss with your doctor when to begin breast cancer screening exams and tests, such as clinical breast exams and mammograms. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of screening. Together, you can decide what breast cancer screening strategies are right for you. Become familiar with your breasts through breast self-exam for breast awareness.

Women may choose to become familiar with their breasts by occasionally inspecting their breasts during a breast self-exam for breast awareness. If there is a new change, lumps or other unusual signs in your breasts, talk to your doctor promptly. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you may be wondering how fast it can spread.

An oncologist breaks down what factors may contribute to the spread of breast cancer, plus the outlook for slowing and preventing cancer growth.

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