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A project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health
womenshealth.gov

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Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lives, and many of us know someone — a mother, sister, friend — who has had it. It is the second-leading cancer killer of women in the United States, next to lung cancer. Thanks to screening, breast cancer often can be found early, when the chance of successful treatment is best. In fact, many women are even cured of the disease. 
 

Topics

What is breast cancer?

  • Breast basics
  • Breast cancer
 

Breast cancer symptoms

  • 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
  • More...

Breast cancer risk factors and prevention

  • Factors that affect a woman's risk of breast cancer
  • Ways to lower your breast cancer risk
  • Breast cancer in men
  • More...

Screening and diagnosis: Mammogram, clinical breast exam, and other tests

  • Breast cancer screening
  • Diagnosing breast cancer

Breast cancer treatment

  • Staging
  • Types of treatment
  • Help and support

Government in action on breast cancer

  • National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program
  • National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service

Features

Breast Cancer was reviewed by:

Richard E. Manrow, Ph.D.
Associate Director, Office of Cancer Content Management
Office of Communications and Education
National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health

Content last updated November 17, 2010.

Resources last updated November 17, 2010.

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woman giving self breast exam