Breast cancer is caused by an accelerated proliferation of cells in the tissue of the mammary gland, causing them to divide uncontrollably. From here, these cells can invade blood or lymph vessels and spread to other parts of the body where they adhere to tissues and grow forming metastases.
Although breast cancer can also occur in men, more than 99% of cases are detected in women.
In 2019, a total of 33.307 new cases were diagnosed in Spain, with this type of tumor being the most common in women in our country. It is estimated that one in 8 Spanish women will have breast cancer at some point in their lives. It usually appears between the ages of 35 and 80, although the 45 to 65 age group has the highest incidence.
Breast cancer mortality has been reduced in recent years thanks to screening programs and improved treatments. After 5 years of diagnosis, 90% of women are free of the disease. It should be noted, however, that in early stages survival may exceed 95% while in advanced cases it is reduced.
