According to the American Cancer Society, “breast cancer is the most common disease among women in the United States, other than skin cancer.” After lung cancer, it is the leading secondary cause of cancer death in women. Knowing some basic facts about the normal composition of breasts is helpful in understanding breast cancer. In the past, this disease was one of the most feared forms of cancer due to its mortality rate and the fact that complete cure often required removal of the breast. The best way to combat this disease is to have a plan that helps you detect the disease in its early stages. Today, however, treatment options have expanded and the likelihood of complete recovery is higher than ever. Lives can be saved by increasing awareness of breast cancer through education and providing mammograms to those who need them. Therefore, women can increase their chances of surviving breast cancer if they overcome their fears, undergo thorough examinations and seek appropriate treatments. Now, what is breast cancer? Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the breast tissue. It is considered a heterogeneous disease that differs in age and even in the type of cells and tumors themselves. “Obviously, no woman wants to hear this diagnosis, but hearing the words 'breast cancer' doesn't always mean a conclusion. This can be the beginning of learning to confront, get the facts, and have hope” (ACS, 2010). Although this disease primarily affects women, men can also be at risk. It's about 100 times more common in women than men. Here, I will only talk about breast cancer in women because a woman is more susceptible to this disease. Each breast contains 15 to 20 sections called lobes. Inside each lobe are several small lobules. L...... middle of article ......does cause breast cancer?" American Cancer Society. Np, nd Web. January 12, 2011 "Breast Cancer Risk Factors - National Breast Cancer Foundation." Tennessee Breast Center, Inc. Np, nd Web. January 12, 2011. "Breast exam." Encyclopedia of Women's Health: Springer Science+Business Media, 2004. Credo Reference Web, January 12, 2011. "Signs and Breast Cancer Symptoms...” Everyday Health, Inc. Np, nd Web. January 12, 2011. “Breast Cancer.” Web January 21. 2011.