Breast cancer continues to be the leading cause of death for middle-aged women. Last year, there were more than 194,000 new cases of breast cancer in the United States, of which approximately 20% did not access treatment in time despite the availability of educational resources. Breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the breast cells of a woman or man. Although the condition is not gender specific, it is more prevalent in middle-aged and older women. Its malignant foundation causes it to also conquer the surrounding tissues if left untreated. The proximity of the breast to the heart and lungs is the leading cause of deaths associated with breast cancer. It is informally hereditary, as your risk of developing cancer is doubled by rampant genetic mutation in your family. Most breast lumps are benign, but it is in your best interest to have a biopsy to prove otherwise. The female breast is made up primarily of milk-producing glands known as lobules, small tubes that carry milk to the nipple from lobules called ducts, and stroma, the fatty connective tissue that surrounds the ducts, lobules, and blood and lymph vessels. A significant majority of breast cancers begin in the cells lining the ducts and lobules, while a small percentage begin in other tissues. The exact cause of breast cancer remains unknown, but scientists have identified a number of risk factors that increase the likelihood of breast cancer. contract cancer. Factors such as age are out of people's control, while risks such as drinking habits can be changed as a preventative measure. The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age, as approximately 80% of breast cancer cases develop in women over the age of 50. However, the breast… middle of the paper… Antoniou A, Pharoah PD, Narod S, et al. Average breast and ovarian cancer risks associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations detected in case series not selected for family history: a pooled analysis of 22 studies. American Journal of Human Genetics 2003; 72(5):1117–1130. Walsh T, Casadei S, Coats KH, et al. Spectrum of mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, and TP53 in families at high risk for breast cancer. JAMA2006; 295(12):1379–1388."BRCA1 and BRCA2: cancer risk and genetic testing." BRCA1 and BRCA2: cancer risk and genetic testing. National Cancer Institute, January 22, 2014. Web. May 16, 2014. “Breast Cancer.” Breast cancer. Genetics Home Reference, August 2007. Web. May 16, 2014. Slowik, boy. "What causes breast cancer?" EhealthMD. EhealthMD, March 20, 2012. Web. May 18, 2014."What is breast cancer?" Breast cancer. American Cancer Society, January 31, 2014. Web. May 16 2014