What Is Breast Cancer — and How Does It Happen?
A clear guide for young women who want to understand how breast cancer develops and what to watch for.
Understanding breast cancer in simple terms
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women around the world, and yes — it can happen to young women too. Understanding what it is and how it develops can remove fear and give you the tools to protect your health. Learning your body is the first step.
What exactly is breast cancer?
Your breasts contain different tissues: lobules (the tiny milk-producing glands), ducts (small tubes that carry milk to the nipple), connective tissue, and fat. Every tissue is made of cells that grow, divide, and die in an orderly way. Breast cancer starts when some of these cells begin to grow out of control.
Abnormal cells can collect together to form a lump called a tumor. Some tumors are benign (not cancer) and don’t spread. Malignant tumors are cancerous — they can invade nearby tissue and travel to other parts of the body through the blood or lymphatic system.
How does breast cancer develop?
Most breast cancers begin because of changes in the DNA inside breast cells. DNA acts like an instruction manual for the cell; when that instruction is broken by a mutation, cells can start growing when they shouldn’t or stop responding to signals to die. Over time, these abnormal cells can multiply and form a tumor.
Mutations can happen naturally as we age, but some are influenced by life experiences — for example, long-term hormonal exposure, radiation, certain chemicals, or inherited gene changes. Usually, cancer develops slowly over many years, not overnight.
Common types to know
Two of the most common types are:
- Ductal carcinoma — starts in the milk ducts; the most common form.
- Lobular carcinoma — starts in the lobules (milk-producing glands).
Some cancers remain non-invasive (in situ) for a time, while others become invasive and spread into surrounding tissue.
Who can get breast cancer?
Anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer — that includes women and, rarely, men. Certain factors raise risk: increasing age, a family history of breast cancer, early menstruation or late menopause, some lifestyle factors (smoking, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, physical inactivity), and reproductive history. But having a risk factor doesn’t mean you will get cancer — it means you should be more watchful and proactive.
Early warning signs to watch for
Breast cancer doesn’t always hurt, especially early on. Check for these changes and see a health professional if any appear:
- A new lump or thickened area in the breast or underarm
- Changes in breast size, shape, or symmetry
- Dimpling, puckering, or skin texture changes
- Redness, rash, or scaly skin around the nipple
- Nipple discharge (clear or bloody) or pulling in of the nipple
If you notice something unusual, don’t panic — many changes are not cancer. Still, getting checked early is the safest choice.
How you can protect yourself
Early detection makes treatment simpler and more effective. Protect yourself by:
- Learning what’s normal for your breasts and doing monthly self-checks a few days after your period
- Seeing a nurse or doctor if you notice changes — don’t wait
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular activity, good sleep, and limiting alcohol
- Getting clinical checks if you have a family history or other concerns
Article adapted for CancelBreastCancer — a safe, youth-focused resource helping young Nigerian women learn about breast health in a friendly, practical way.
