What is the most common type of breast cancer?

Invasive ductal carcinoma is the most prevalent form of breast cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all diagnosed breast cancer cases. This type of cancer begins in the milk ducts of the breast and invades surrounding tissue, which is a key characteristic of invasive cancers.

The reasons for its prevalence include the commonality of its origin in the ducts, which are the pathways for milk, and its ability to spread to nearby tissues and potentially to distant sites in the body, making it a significant focus in breast cancer research and treatment.

In contrast, invasive lobular carcinoma, while also common, represents a smaller percentage of breast cancer cases. Paget's disease is a specific type of breast cancer that affects the nipple and surrounding area and does not account for a significant portion of breast cancers overall. Triple-negative breast cancer is a subtype characterized by the lack of three common receptors, and while it poses unique challenges, it does not surpass invasive ductal carcinoma in overall incidence. Thus, invasive ductal carcinoma is recognized as the most common type of breast cancer due to its significant prevalence and impact on patient care and treatment approaches.