There are different types of breast cancer: ductal carcinoma in-situ (most common type of breast cancer), infiltrating ductal, medullary carcinoma, infiltrating lobular, tubular carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer which is characterized by drastic breast skin changes (redness, thickening and dominance of the hair follicles).

Like any other cancer, the breast cancer undergoes changes. Stage 0 is when there are abnormal cells in the lobule’s lining. The presence does not really equate with cancer but it increases the risk. Taking a drug called tamoxifen may reduce the risk of breast cancer.

Stage 1 and 2 refer to the stages wherein cancer has already spread beyond the ducts or lobes. Stage 1 indicates that the tumor is just of insignificant size and cancer cells have not gone beyond the breast, whereas stage 2 means the cancer has spread to under the arms, particularly to the lymph nodes and the tumor is now bigger than 2 inches. Radiation therapy can be conducted or mastectomy, which means the breast will be removed and reconstructed.

Stage 3 is advanced cancer wherein the tumor in the breast has grown immensely and the cancer has spread to tissues and lymph nodes near the breast. Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, surgery and radiation therapy may be administered.

Stage 4 is called metastatic cancer. Radiation and surgery may be used as treatments.

Breast cancer can be fought and those who have it can win against it. Hollywood celebs even gather together for the Pink Ribbon, a movement to fight breast cancer. So women of the world, let’s go and fight!