A closer look at the structure of the breast.
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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.
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If you are believed to be at risk for a hereditary cancer syndrome, genetic testing can be helpful. It can be used to look for the gene changes linked to these syndromes.
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People with this syndrome have dark moles around the mouth, nose, and eyes, as well as multiple polyps in the intestines.
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Breast cancer in men is rare—less than 1% of all breast cancer occurs in men.
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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.
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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.
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These questions can help you work with your healthcare provider and make good decisions about your cancer care.
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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.
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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.
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Radiation therapy is a breast cancer treatment option that often uses X-rays to kill cancer cells. There are several ways to give radiation therapy to the breast cancer cells.
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Surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible is the main treatment for breast cancer. Today, women have many surgical options and choices.
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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.
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For some types of breast cancer, hormones such as estrogen and progesterone can also cause breast cancer cells to grow. In these cases, hormone therapy is used to help prevent the growth, spread, and recurrence of breast cancer.
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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.
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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.
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Breast cancer can make you feel as though your body has failed you. But research shows that exercise can help you regain some control over your body and your life.
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If you have osteoporosis, your bones become porous and weak. As they lose strength, they are more likely to break. People with osteoporosis are particularly at risk for breaking these bones.
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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.
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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.
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.Some people find that the powerful medicines used for chemotherapy treatment make them not able to think clearly or have a "fuzzy memory." If you've noticed this, it's not all in your head. It's real, something that people with cancer often call "chemobrain" or "chemo fog." Read on to learn more.
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Chemotherapy can damage your body’s ability to make red blood cells, so body tissues don't get enough oxygen, a condition called anemia. People who have anemia may feel very weak or tired, dizzy, faint, or short of breath, or may feel that their hearts are beating very fast.
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A look at specific things that may increase your chance of having breast cancer.
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To monitor your breast health, you should get a yearly clinical exam and mammograms as directed by your healthcare provider.
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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.
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