Cancer

A closer look at the structure of the breast....more

Breast cancer often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Women with early breast cancer usually don't have pain or notice any breast changes caused by the cancer. This is why routine screening tests are so important. ...more

A look at specific things that may increase your chance of having breast cancer....more

Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women in the U.S. Once breast cancer occurs, cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, making it life-threatening. The good news is that breast cancer is often found early, before it has spread. ...more

It is important to remember that a lump or other changes in the breast, or an abnormal area on a mammogram, may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious problems. ...more

A mammogram is a way to look at your breast using X-rays. It is used to find and diagnose breast disease in women. Read on to learn more details about when and why to get a mammogram, and what you can expect when having it done. ...more

Timing your mammogram when your breasts are not tender is important. In premenopausal women, this is usually 1 week after a menstrual period. ...more

Studies suggest that MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) may improve the early detection of breast cancer in women who are considered high risk. ...more

A breast biopsy is a small piece of breast tissue that is removed and checked in a lab. This is done to see if cancer or other abnormal cells are present....more

After a diagnosis of breast cancer, you will likely have other tests. These tests help your doctors learn more about your cancer. They can help show if the cancer has grown into nearby areas or spread to other parts of the body. ...more

Magnetic resonance imaging creates detailed images of the body using large magnets and a computer. For breast MRI, a woman will lie face down with her breasts positioned through holes in a table. ...more

A breast scan is an imaging test to look at your breasts. It is used when a mammogram has not given your health care provider enough information. ...more

These questions can help you work with your healthcare provider and make good decisions about your cancer care. ...more

The good news is that breast cancer can be treated successfully. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or any combination of these. Here's a closer look at each. ...more

Chemotherapy may be able to cure breast cancer. If a cure isn't possible, chemotherapy may help keep the cancer from growing or spreading. Or it may help ease symptoms caused by cancer and improve your quality of life. ...more

Radiation therapy is a breast cancer treatment choice that often uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. There are several ways to treat breast cancer with radiation therapy. ...more

Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the main treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical choices. ...more

Breast-conserving surgery (BCS) is sometimes called a lumpectomy or a partial mastectomy. It may be done as part of a treatment plan for breast cancer. With BCS, only the part of the breast that has cancer is removed. ...more

Targeted therapy is the use of medicines that target parts of cancer cells that make them unlike normal cells. They do this without affecting most normal, healthy cells. ...more

Clinical trials are studies managed by government agencies, educational institutions, private not-for-profit organizations, or commercial businesses. They develop and evaluate the effectiveness of new treatments and therapies for diseases. ...more

You may have difficulty eating or lose your appetite during cancer treatment. Try eating small, frequent meals throughout the day. To improve your appetite, don't drink beverages with your meals. ...more

Fatigue can come and go or stay constant for a while. Fatigue from chemotherapy tends to happen a few days after the treatment, peaks, and then gets better before the next treatment. Fatigue from radiation may not happen right away. ...more

To keep track of your breast health, you should get a yearly clinical exam and mammograms as directed by your healthcare provider. ...more

You have a better chance of surviving breast cancer if your doctor finds and treats it early, while it's small and hasn't spread. The best way to find breast cancer early is to be screened regularly. Here's what you need to know. ...more

Your breasts change at different stages of your life. Breast self-awareness is knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. This can help you to find even small changes right away. ...more

A look at specific things that may increase your chance of having breast cancer....more

Ductal carcinoma is the most common type of breast cancer. It starts in the ducts of the breast. Cancer can start in other parts of the breast, too. Learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. ...more