1 of 12 / Overview
- What Is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is when the cells under one or both breasts grow out of control.
- How Fast Does Breast Cancer Grow?
If you have breast cancer, you may wonder how fast the cancer is growing and how fast it will continue to grow.
- Breast Cancer Survival Rates
With breast cancer, your focus will be on getting the right treatment. You'll also wonder about your chances of surviving.
- Breast Cancer in Young Women
Under 7% of all breast cancer cases happen in women under 40. But it can happen at any age.
2 of 12 / Symptoms
- Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Breast cancer can have different symptoms for different people. Most don’t notice any signs at all.
- Breast Cancer Symptoms You May Not Know
Breast cancer doesn’t always have signs you can see or feel. There are also less-common signs that can be helpful to know.
- When to See a Doctor About Breast Cancer Symptoms
If you notice symptoms of breast cancer, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible.
3 of 12 / Risks, Prevention & Screening
- What Causes Breast Cancer?
The cause of breast cancer is unclear, but we know the main risks: being older and having breast cancer in your family.
- Breast Lumps
You notice that something is different with your breast, and you find a lump. Get it checked by a doctor, but don't panic.
- What Are Genetic Breast Cancer Mutations?
Chances are, your breast cancer isn't caused by a faulty gene. But in about 5% to 10% of cases, the cause is hereditary.
- Lifestyle Factors that Raise Breast Cancer Risk
Some lifestyle factors may raise your chances for breast cancer. Having these traits doesn’t mean you’ll get the disease.
4 of 12 / Tests & Diagnosis
- Breast Biopsy
A breast biopsy is a procedure in which your doctor takes out cells or a small piece of tissue from part of your breast.
- HER2 FISH Testing for Breast Cancer
The FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) test checks the DNA of cancer cells for extra copies of the HER2/neu gene.
- Oncotype DX Test for Breast Cancer
The Oncotype DX analyzes a sample of cancer tumor to see the activity of certain genes that affect the cancer's outcome.
- Immunohistochemistry Test
The immunohistochemistry (IHC) test can tell your oncologist whether you have certain types of breast cancer.
5 of 12 / Types
- Types of Breast Cancer
About 80% of all breast cancers are “ER-positive.” About 65% of these are also “PR-positive.”
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare, aggressive form of breast cancer that often appears as a rash or skin irritation.
- Invasive vs. Metastatic Breast Cancer
Invasive and metastatic both refer to cancer that has spread from the site in the breast where it first started.
- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
Invasive lobular carcinoma is breast cancer that begins in one of the milk glands and spreads to other parts of the breast.
6 of 12 / Your Breast Cancer Care Team
7 of 12 / Treatment
- Breast Cancer Treatment by Stage
Breast cancer is a complex disease that’s different for every woman. Staging is a way for doctors to describe the disease.
- Stage 0 Breast Cancer Treatment
Some experts consider stage 0 the earliest stage of breast cancer. Others think of it as a sort of precancer stage.
- Stage I Breast Cancer Treatment
In this stage, the cancer either hasn't spread beyond the breast or has spread in a very small amount to a lymph node.
- Stage II Breast Cancer Treatment
In stage II, the cancer is still contained within the breast and in some cases in nearby lymph nodes.
8 of 12 / Living With Breast Cancer
- Anxiety and Breast Cancer
Research shows that about 1 in 4 people with cancer say they feel a lot of anxiousness.
- Breast Cancer and Your Sex Life
Many people are reluctant to talk about sex, yet sexual problems in women during or after cancer treatment are very common.
- Tips for Family and Friends
Here are some tips for family and friends of someone with breast cancer.
9 of 12 / Remission & Recurrence
- Breast Cancer Remission
Your doctor says you’re in remission. That’s good news. But what exactly does it mean?
- What Helps Prevent Breast Cancer Recurrence?
Here are some of the changes you can make to give yourself the best chance to avoid breast cancer recurrence.
- When Breast Cancer Comes Back
Every person who's had breast cancer knows that recurrence is possible. It helps to know what a recurrence might involve.
- Secondary Cancers After Breast Cancer Treatment
After you’ve undergone treatment for breast cancer, there’s always a risk of the same type of cancer cells coming back.
10 of 12 / Advanced Breast Cancer
- Breast Cancer: What Does 'Metastatic' Mean?
Doctors sometimes use the term "advanced breast cancer" or "stage IV breast cancer" to describe cancer that has spread.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of advanced breast cancer depend on where it is in your body.
- Questions About Metastatic Breast Cancer
Bring this list to your next doctor's appointment.
- Vaccine Treatment for Metastatic Breast Cancer
You may think of vaccines as a way to prevent disease. Researchers are testing a new kind that might treat breast cancer.
11 of 12 / Support & Resources
12 of 12 / Appointment Prep
Metastatic Breast Cancer
Suggested Reads about Breast Cancer
SERD Elacestrant (Orserdu) for Breast Cancer: Expert Insights, Key Facts
Learn how elacestrant (Orserdu), an oral SERD, treats ESR1-mutated advanced or metastatic breast cancer after hormone therapy.
Robin Roberts: The Power of Being Seen
Through breast cancer, Robin Roberts learned the value of self-advocacy, support, and trusting her instincts.
A Visual Guide to Lymphedema
Extra fluid can build up and cause swelling when there's a problem with your lymphatic system. Find out from this WebMD slideshow when it's likely to happen, how to treat it, and more.
12 Things a Breast Cancer Survivor Wants You to Know in the Early Hours of Your Diagnosis
12 Things a Breast Cancer Survivor Wants You to Know in the Early Hours of Your Diagnosis
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