BREAST CANCER     No other malignancy has catched the attention, not only of the medical world, but the patients as well than breast cancer. It is the most common cancer among females, representing 30% of all new cancers in women in the United States. With the current incidence rate, 1 in 8 women in the US will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer death among women, second only to lung cancer.     Because of its frequency and the attention it has attracted, it is probably one of the most studied and extensively researched disease in the world. This has led to a continuing evolution in its treatment, which has benefitted women, as well as men, who develop the malignancy. Studies were able to establish known risk factors that influence breast cancer risk. Among the very well established risk factors are:                *Increasing Age                *Early Menarche and Late Menopause                *Proliferative Breast Disease                *Family History of Breast Cancer, specially early onset and multiple 1st degree relatives                *BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations                *Late 1st term pregnancy or nulliparity Possible risk factors, meaning, their association is not well established by studies are:                *Oral Contraceptive, long term use at young age                *Post menopausal estrogen replacement therapy     On the other hand, breast feeding,physical activity(exercise), early menopause are suggested as factors that possibly decrease incidence of breast cancer. Most risk factors listed, points to the role of hormones, i.e. estrogen and progesterone on the development of breast cancer. Family history, although a very strong factor, should be taken with caution so as not to cause excessive worry on women with a family history, because 80% of the time, breast cancer is sporadic, meaning, appearing in those with no known family history and risk factors. Only 20% of breast cancer incidence is associated with a family history, although the risk significantly increases with its association. Therefore, consultation with a breast specialist is essential onsuch cases.     Breast cancer usually presents as a mass or a lump in the breast. However, with increasing use of mammography, breast cancer has been diagnosed even before it becomes apparent by palpation, theoretically increasing chances for survival. Diagnosis are usually made by pathologic analysis of the mass or mammographically detected densities, by way of Fine Needle Aspiration, Core Biopsy, Excisional or Incisional biopsy, depending on factors determined by your physician.     For Surveillance, the triple method of Self Breast Examination, Physician Breast Examination done by a breast specialist, and Screening mammography is generally recommended. Since breast cancer incidence  increases by age 40, baseline mammography is generally recommended at this age group.Further recommendation can be ascertained from your breast surgeon.     Through the years, treatment of breast cancer has evolved from the more radical removal of the breast and part of the chest wall to a more conservative- breast preservation. It is best to discuss treatment options to a breast cancer specialist, to know your options.