The following was developed to help explain Breast Cancer, as well as the different types, treatments, and ongoing research. Please use this guide as an educational resource to help you and/or your loved one better understand Breast Cancer and how we are all working towards a common goal of finding the best treatment possible.

Breast Cancer Background

Cancer is a group of diseases that cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. A group of rapidly dividing cells may form a lump or mass of extra tissue called a tumor. Tumors can either be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Malignant tumors penetrate and destroy healthy body tissues and can break away spreading through the body to grow in other areas. This process is called metastasis. Usually, cancer is named after the body part in which it originated; thus, breast cancer refers to the erratic growth and spreading of cells that originate in the breast tissue.

Next: Types of Breast Cancer

 

Related informational links:

American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society Clinical Trials Matching Service

National Cancer Institute Breast Cancer

CancerNet - A service of the National Cancer Institute

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Net

New York Times - Breast Cancer News

CancerTrack - Tracking cancer online

Mamm Magazine online

Health Central

Breast Cancer Society of Canada