I chose to focus on the topic of breast cancer because multiple members of my family have been diagnosed with this type of cancer. I wanted to research breast cancer due to the fact that there are a large number of women in my family. A number of people in my family have passed due to different types of cancer. Breast cancer, being the most common, I would like to be informed on the signs and symptoms due to the risk that anyone of us could be diagnosed with this type of cancer. “Cancer is an uncontrolled growth of cells, and in this case, breast cells. Cancer occurs as a result of mutations in the genes responsible for regulating the growth of cells and keeping them healthy.” (Breastcancer.org) Over time, these mutations can activate and deactivate others in a cell. That way, the changed cell can now divide without control and can eventually develop a tumor. Tumors are large groups of abnormal cells, and can be malignant or benign, meaning they can be dangerous or harmless. Unfortunately, breast cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in a certain part of the breast, and it can eventually spread to other tissues of the breast. Even though all women are at risk of developing breast cancer, studies show that the incidence rates vary based on age. “Approximately 77% of breast cancer cases occur in women over 50 years of age.” It may also vary based on ethnic backgrounds. “According to the American Cancer Society, white women develop breast cancer at a higher rate than African-American women, but African-American women are more likely to get breast cancer before they are 40, and are more likely to die from it at any age.” (Imaginis.com) Breast cancer is almost always genetic, and not caused by outside forces like the environment. The symptoms of breast cancer include: “swelling or all or part of the breast, skin irritation or dimpling, breast pain, redness, scaliness, or thickening of skin, or lumps in underarm areas.” (Breastcancer.org) Sometimes, those symptoms are less serious conditions such as a cyst or an infection. Still, it’s important to see a doctor if you notice any changes of your breast. This cancer’s diagnostic process can take up to weeks at a time and can include many different kinds of tests. “Breast radiologists quickly diagnose patients using digital mammography, CT, MRI and PET scan imaging.” (Cancer.buemont.edu) There are four stages of breast cancer; moving further throughout the stages, the tumor spreads from the breast to other parts of the body. It gets progressively worse, and the chance of survival lowers. It’s best to detect breast cancer at the earliest point possible so you can receive treatment for it before it gets worse. Treatments for breast cancer include: “surgery, then perhaps radiation, hormonal (anti-estrogen) therapy, and/or chemotherapy.” (Breastcancer.org) Each of these treatments have large amounts of side effects, but they are manageable and