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About Breast Cancer > Free Educational Guides

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • Understanding breast cancer
    • Breast cancer facts & stats
    • Growth of breast cancer
    • Breast cancer risk factors
    • Causes of breast cancer
    • Breast anatomy
    • Breast tumors
    • Genetic testing for breast cancer
    • BRCA: The breast cancer gene
    • Other breast cancer genes
    • What to do if you tested positive
  • Early Detection
    • Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
    • Breast lump
    • Breast pain
    • Breast cyst
    • Breast self-exam
    • Clinical breast exam
    • Mammogram
    • How to schedule a mammogram
    • Healthy habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Breast cancer screening
    • Diagnostic mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast biopsy
    • Lab tests
    • Waiting for results
  • Stages
    • Breast cancer stages
    • Stage 0
    • Stage 1 (Stage 1A and 1B)
    • Stage 2 (Stage 2A and 2B)
    • Stage 3 (Stage 3A, 3B, and 3C)
    • Stage 4
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC)
    • Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC)
    • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
    • Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic breast cancer (MBC)
    • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)
    • Other types of breast cancer
    • Male breast cancer
    • Breast cancer in young women
    • Breast cancer during pregnancy
  • Treatment
    • Choosing your doctor
    • Lumpectomy
    • Mastectomy
    • Lymph node removal and lymphedema
    • Breast reconstruction
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Hormone therapy
    • Targeted therapy
    • Treatment side effects and management
    • Standard treatment vs. clinical trial
    • Follow-up care
    • Mental health
    • Breast cancer wellness
    • Bone health
  • Breast Cancer Myths
    • Myth: Breast cancer only affects middle-aged or older women
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is more common in women with bigger breasts
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast pain is a definite sign of breast cancer
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer or spread it
    • Myth: All breast cancers are the same
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: If a BRCA mutation is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: A breast injury can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Consuming sugar causes breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Carrying a phone in your bra can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Bras with underwire can cause breast cancer
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
  • Breast Cancer FAQs
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risk?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help prevent breast cancer?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • How does stress impact breast cancer?
    • What is breast self-awareness?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know About Breast Care
    • The 10 Screenings Women Should Know
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection
    • Breast Health Guide
    • Family Medical History Checklist
    • Know the Symptoms: A Guide and Checklist to Breast Cancer Symptoms
    • Most Asked Questions: Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms
    • Mammogram 101
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
    • Abnormal Mammograms and What to Do Next
    • Breast Problems That Aren’t Breast Cancer
    • How to Talk About Breast Health
    • Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer… Now What?
    • Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms
    • Chemo Messages
    • Breast Cancer Surgery eBook
    • Life After Breast Cancer: A Survivor’s Guide
    • The Cancer Caregiver Guide
    • Male Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know
    • What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients
    • Smart Bites Cookbook: 7 Wholesome Recipes in 35 Minutes (or Less!)
    • 5 Ingredient Healthy Meals
    • Zest for Life: The Ultimate Citrus Cookbook
    • Mocktail Cookbook: 6 Alcohol-Free Drink Recipes
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • Bra Fit Guide
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips
    • Weekly Healthy Living Tips: Volume 2
    • Caring for Your Mind: A Guide to Mental Health and Stress Management
    • Emotional Support Workbook
    • 10 Prompts to Mindfulness
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
  • Patient and Survivor Library
  • Mental Health Resources
  • Breast Cancer Resources

Free Educational Guides

By NBCF team

Last updated on Sep 2, 2026

Medically reviewed on Jun 26, 2026
by: Lillie D. Shockney, RN, BS, MAS, HON-ONN-CG

Knowledge can help you feel more informed and prepared—whether you’re taking steps to protect your breast health, navigating a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or focusing on your well-being. Our free educational guides and eBooks provide clear, practical information you can access anytime.

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Find information to help you take the next step

Explore resources on early detection, breast cancer treatment, survivorship, emotional well-being, nutrition, and healthy living. You’ll also find resources for caregivers, survivors, and anyone looking for practical ways to support their health and well-being. All guides are free to download and share.

Quick nav – jump to free guides

Screening & early detection
Patient & survivor support
Healthy living guides & cookbooks
Mental health guides & workbooks
Jump to free guides
  • Screening & early detection
  • Patient & survivor support
  • Healthy living guides & cookbooks
  • Mental health guides & workbooks
Screening & early detection

Screening & early detection

What Every Woman Needs to Know About Breast Care

Get practical information to help you understand your breast health, recognize potential changes, and make informed decisions about your care. From understanding your personal risk to knowing what to expect from mammograms and other screenings, the guide offers clear, helpful information for women at every stage of life.

Get the free guide

The 10 Screenings Women Should Know

Understand which health screenings women may need and when to consider them. From mammograms and cervical cancer screenings to blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and bone density tests, this guide explains what each screening involves, who may need it, and why it matters.

Get the free guide

3 Steps to Early Detection

Learn the three key steps that can help you detect breast cancer early: breast self-awareness, regular well-woman exams, and mammograms. Get practical guidance on recognizing changes, understanding what to expect during exams and mammograms, and knowing when to talk with your doctor about additional screening.

Get the free guide

Breast Health Guide

Build a stronger understanding of your breast health with practical information about early detection, healthy habits, personal risk, and breast cancer signs and symptoms. Get answers to common questions and learn more about breast cancer types and stages so you can feel informed and proactive about your health.

Get the free guide

Family Medical History Checklist

Keep important health information organized and ready for your next medical appointment. Use this checklist to gather details about your personal and family medical history, including past conditions, diagnoses, and cancer history, so you can provide your healthcare team with the information they need to better understand your health and risk factors.

Get the free guide

Know the Symptoms: A Guide and Checklist to Breast Cancer Symptoms

Learn what changes in your breasts may be signs of breast cancer and what to look for when practicing breast self-awareness. Use this guide to recognize potential symptoms, understand what information to share with your doctor, and take a proactive approach to your breast health.

Get the free guide

Most Asked Questions: Breast Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Get clear answers about breast cancer signs and symptoms, including what a breast lump may feel like and what changes to look for. Learn how to perform a breast self-exam, practice breast self-awareness, and know when to talk with your healthcare provider about a change you notice.

Get the free guide

Mammogram 101

Feel prepared and confident before your next mammogram with practical guidance on what to expect before, during, and after your appointment. Learn how to prepare, what questions to ask your doctor, and what information to bring to help make your screening experience as smooth as possible.

Get the free guide

Dense Breasts Q&A Guide

Learn what it means to have dense breast tissue and why it matters for breast cancer detection. Get answers to common questions about breast density, how to know if you have dense breasts, how it may affect your breast cancer risk, and whether additional screening may be recommended.

Get the free guide

Abnormal Mammograms and What to Do Next

Understand what an abnormal mammogram result means and what steps may come next. Learn about the additional tests that may be recommended, what questions to ask your doctor, and how to feel more prepared and informed while you wait for answers.

Get the free guide

Breast Problems That Aren’t Breast Cancer

Learn about common breast problems that aren’t cancer, including breast cysts, breast pain, and infections. Understand how to recognize these changes, when they may occur, and how they’re typically diagnosed and treated so you can feel more informed when changes in your breasts occur.

Get the free guide

How to Talk About Breast Health

Build confidence around talking about breast health with practical guidance for starting open, honest conversations. Learn how to address common stigmas, understand the basics of early detection, recognize why people may ignore symptoms, and find conversation starters that make these important discussions easier.

Get the free guide

Patient & survivor support

Just Diagnosed with Breast Cancer… Now What?

Get clear, practical information and support after a breast cancer diagnosis. Learn about common breast cancer terms, the doctors and specialists who may be part of your care team, treatment options, and questions to ask at your appointments so you can feel more informed as you navigate what comes next.

Get the free guide

Glossary of Common Breast Cancer Terms

Understand more than 60 common breast cancer terms with clear, easy-to-understand definitions. Use the glossary to make sense of medical language you may encounter during diagnosis and treatment, find additional resources for further information, and keep track of questions to discuss with your healthcare team.

Get the free guide

Chemo Messages

Receive a weekly dose of encouragement and support throughout your chemotherapy journey. Sign up to receive uplifting messages, helpful reminders, and words of hope delivered to your inbox each week as you navigate treatment.

Get free messages

Breast Cancer Surgery: What You Need to Know

Understand your breast cancer surgery options and what to expect before and after a procedure. Learn about different surgical approaches, such as lumpectomy and mastectomy, breast reconstruction and cosmetic options, important terms to know, and practical guidance for healing and recovery.

Get the free guide

Life After Breast Cancer: A Survivor’s Guide

Navigate life after breast cancer treatment with practical information and guidance for survivorship. Learn about managing side effects and long-term health, coping with emotional changes, maintaining healthy habits, and staying connected with your healthcare team as you move forward.

Get the free guide

The Cancer Caregiver Guide

Get practical guidance for supporting someone through breast cancer while taking care of yourself, too. Learn how to communicate with your loved one, navigate treatment and appointments, manage the emotional challenges of caregiving, and find support for yourself along the way.

Get the free guide

Male Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know

Learn about breast cancer in men, from risk factors and signs and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. Get practical guidance on early detection, performing a male breast self-exam, understanding treatment options, and talking about breast cancer with loved ones and your healthcare team.

Get the free guide

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer Recurrence

Understand breast cancer recurrence, including the different types of recurrence, follow-up care, and factors that may affect recurrence risk. Learn about symptoms to watch for, treatment considerations, and ways to cope with the fear and uncertainty that can come with concerns about cancer returning.

Get the free guide

Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence

Get answers to common questions about breast cancer recurrence, including the risk of recurrence, different types of recurrence, and signs and symptoms to watch for. Learn about treatment options, follow-up care, hormone therapy, and ways to cope with anxiety and the fear of recurrence.

Get the free guide

What to Say to a Cancer Patient

Find thoughtful ways to support someone facing cancer through words that offer comfort, encouragement, and understanding. Learn what to say, what to avoid, and how to have meaningful conversations with a loved one during a difficult time.

Get the free guide

Healthy living guides & cookbooks

Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients

Get practical nutrition guidance to help support your body during and after breast cancer treatment. Learn about nutrition basics, food safety, and ways to manage treatment side effects through nutrition, with simple, sustainable guidance for patients and caregivers.

Get the free guide

Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients

Make healthy eating easier with simple, nutritious recipes the whole family can enjoy. Find 10 recipes ranging from breakfast to dinner, plus healthy snack ideas, food safety tips, and practical guidance from a registered dietitian to help support your health and wellness.

Get the free cookbook

Smart Bites: 7 Wholesome Recipes in 35 Minutes (or Less!)

Make nutritious eating easier with simple recipes and practical nutrition guidance designed to support breast health and overall well-being. Find easy-to-prepare meals and snacks along with tips for making healthy food choices that fit into everyday life, from a registered dietitian.

Get the free cookbook

5 Ingredient Healthy Meals

Get nine wholesome recipes that use just five main ingredients each. Find easy-to-prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner, and salad recipes, along with nutrition information and substitution options for dairy-free and vegetarian meals.

Get the free cookbook

Zest for Life: The Ultimate Citrus Cookbook

Brighten your meals with eight easy-to-make, citrus-forward recipes designed to support overall health and wellness. Each recipe includes nutrition information, tips from a registered dietitian, and ingredient substitutions to help you make nutritious, flavorful meals that fit your needs.

Get the free cookbook

Mocktail Cookbook: 6 Alcohol-Free Drink Recipes

Enjoy refreshing, alcohol-free drinks that bring comfort and joy without sacrificing flavor. Find six easy-to-make mocktail recipes created with a registered dietitian, plus ingredient substitutions to make them low-sugar or dairy-free.

Get the free cookbook

Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide

Understand your personal breast cancer risk and learn practical ways to support your overall health. Explore genetic and lifestyle risk factors, healthy habits that may lower risk, recommended health exams, and a risk assessment tool to help you better understand your individual risk.

Get the free guide

Bra Fit Guide

Find the right bra size and fit for greater comfort and confidence. Learn how to measure your band and cup size, recognize signs that your bra may not fit properly, choose the right style for you, and solve common issues like slipping straps, gaping cups, and uncomfortable red marks.

Get the free guide

Weekly Healthy Living Tips

Build healthier habits one week at a time with practical tips delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for 52 weeks of guidance and encouragement covering nutrition, physical activity, sleep, breast health, and other everyday choices that can support your overall well-being.

Get free tips

Weekly Healthy Living Tips: Volume 2

Take small, meaningful steps toward a healthier lifestyle with weekly guidance delivered right to your inbox. Volume 2 offers 52 more weeks of practical tips and encouragement to help you make informed choices about nutrition, exercise, breast health, stress, and overall well-being.

Get free tips

Mental health guides & workbooks

Caring for Your Mind: A Guide to Mental Health and Stress Management

Learn practical ways to manage stress and support your mental health during life’s challenges. Explore healthy coping strategies, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and other tools, with guidance tailored to the emotional needs of those navigating breast cancer and survivorship.

Get the free guide

Emotional Support Workbook

Support your emotional well-being with practical tools designed for wherever you are in your journey. Choose from two versions—one for anyone looking to strengthen their emotional wellness and another specifically for those affected by breast cancer—each featuring guided exercises, reflection prompts, and strategies for managing stress and navigating difficult emotions.

Get the free workbook

10 Prompts to Mindfulness

Strengthen your mind-body connection with simple mindfulness practices you can use in everyday life. Explore 10 prompts focused on gratitude, reflection, compassion, self-love, and more, along with affirmations and guidance for meditation and mindful breathing.

Get the free workbook

Finding Hope That Heals

Discover a different way to think about hope during the challenges of cancer. Learn how to identify and strengthen realistic, healing hopes while letting go of hopes that may add stress or uncertainty, with practical exercises to help patients and caregivers nurture hope throughout the cancer experience.

Get the free guide
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