What is Breast Cancer?

What is cancer?

What is cancer?

Breast cancer is a group of cancer cells (malignant tumor) that starts in the cells of the breast.

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer facts

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

About male breast cancer

About male breast cancer

All people, whether male or female, are born with some breast cells and tissue that have the possibility to develop into cancer.  However, breast cancer in men is rare, with only about 2,190 diagnoses each year.

Causes of breast cancer

Causes of breast cancer

Although most people who develop breast cancer will not be able to pinpoint one specific cause,  scientists have learned much about risk factors that may indicate a stronger likelihood for cancer. Learn about the myths and factors that may apply to you.

Breast Cancer Genetics

Breast Cancer Genetics

Everyone has genes that pass along hereditary information from generation to generation. Sometimes changes occur in the gene code, and these changes are called mutations. Learn how gene mutations can affect breast cancer risk, as well as about how genetic testing works.

Types of tumors

Types of tumors

Breast cancer tumors can be categorized by the size, type of cells, and the characteristics that fuel its growth. Learn more about benign tumors,  malignant tumors, and classification.

Breast anatomy

Breast anatomy

To understand breast cancer and its treatment options, it helps to know the anatomy of the breast and surrounding tissue. Learn more about the ducts, glands, and lymph system and how each is important for cancer development and treatment.

Growth of cancer

Growth of cancer

How does cancer spread into the nearby breast tissue? What happens to cause cancer to spread to other organs? Learn what you need to know about the growth of cancer and the possible measures to stop it.