The chances that a particular breast lump could be cancerous depends on many factors, including past medical history, physical examination, and mammogram and ultrasound results. Age is the biggest risk factor for breast cancer. In other words, most cases of breast cancer occur due to the fact that the risk of breast cancer increases with age. Most women with breast cancer do not have a history of breast cancer. A woman who has a family history of breast cancer is certainly at risk herself, especially if multiple family members are involved, the cases occurred at a young age, or if the cancer involved both breasts of a single family member. A history of nipple discharge or breast pain may also be important. Breast cancer is increasingly common in the Westernised world. As the most common cancer among women it is understandably feared, and discovering a breast lump can be a traumatic experience. Fortunately, most breast lumps are not cancerous. However, for the minority that are, much research has gone into their management. Surgery has moved away from the radical mastectomies of a few decades ago. Breast reconstruction is often on offer. Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are additional weapons that doctors have at their disposal.
