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Breast Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which cells become abnormal and form more cells in an uncontrolled way. With breast cancer, the cancer begins in the tissues that make up the breasts. The cancer cells may form a mass called a tumor. (Note: Not all tumors are cancer.) Cancer that invades nearby tissue is called invasive. The most common types of breast cancer are:

Invasive (or infiltrating) lobular carcinoma (LAH-byuh-luhr KAR-sih-NOH-muh) – Cancer that begins in lobules and grows into surrounding tissues. About 1 in 10 invasive breast cancers are this type.

Invasive (or infiltrating) ductal carcinoma – Cancer that begins in the ducts and grows into surrounding tissues. About 8 in 10 invasive breast cancers are this type.

Cancer cells also can enter the lymph vessels in the breast and spread to the lymph nodes. Breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body. With routine screening, breast cancer often can be found at an early stage, before the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Symptoms

Thanks to screening, breast cancer often is found before a woman has any physical symptoms. Yet a woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel so that she can report any unusual changes to her doctor. Reasons to call your doctor include:

A lump in or near your breast or under your arm

Thick or firm tissue in or near your breast or under your arm

A change in the size or shape of your breast

Nipple discharge (fluid that is not breast milk)

Nipple changes, such as a nipple that points or faces inward (inverted) into the breast

Changes to your breast skin, areola, or nipple, such as itching, redness, scaling, dimples, or puckers

Keep in mind that most breast changes are not cancer. For instance, nipple discharge can be caused by birth control pills, some medicines, and infections. Or, a breast lump could be a cyst, which is a fluid-filled lump that is not cancer. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. Still, any breast changes or pain should be checked out by a doctor. If you notice a change in your breast, call your doctor and schedule a visit. Don’t wait until your "next checkup."

Additional Resources

Publications

Fact Sheet — Breast Cancer — This fact sheet provides information on why women should be concerned about breast cancer and gives resources for more information.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/breast-cancer.cfm

Fact Sheet — Mammograms — This fact sheet discusses the different types of mammograms available, explains how often a woman should get them, and gives facts about their safety and effectiveness.

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/mammograms.cfm

Mammograms and Breast Health: An Information Guide for Women — This booklet explains normal breast health, breast cancer, and mammograms, and lists resources for more information about where to get a mammogram.

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/pdf/cdc_mammogram_brochure.pdf

What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer — This booklet provides valuable information about breast cancer, including causes, screening, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Additionally, this booklet offers women with breast cancer information on how to cope with the disease.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/wyntk/breast

Just for Teens: A Teen Guide to Breast Care (Copyright © Breast Cancer Network of Strength) — This brochure for teens explains the benefits of taking control of your breast health. It also includes a diagram on how to do a breast self-exam.

http://www.networkofstrength.org/information/publications/generalpubs/teenbrochurebcnos.pdf...

What Happens After Treatment for Breast Cancer? (Copyright © American Cancer Society) — This publication provides guidance on life after breast cancer treatment. It discusses physical symptoms you may experience after treatment, such as lymphedema, and other life issues you may encounter, including adjustments of body image, quality of life, and sexuality.

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/cri/content/cri_2_4_5x_what_happens_after_treatment_5.asp?sitearea=cri...

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated September 28, 2009.