Pink Ribbon · Awareness month: October
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring questions about your health, treatment and what comes next. This guide explains what breast cancer is, the signs and risk factors to know, how it is found and treated, and how research is working toward better answers.
Understand risk factors, possible warning signs and when to seek medical advice.
Explore prevention & detection For patients & caregiversExplore information and resources to help you and your loved ones navigate cancer.
Explore patient & caregiver resources Newly diagnosed with cancerUnderstand your diagnosis, explore what comes next and prepare accordingly.
Navigate a new diagnosisAbout
At NFCR, we believe understanding cancer is an important part of fighting it.
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide. Men can also be diagnosed, although this is rare. Understanding your particular diagnosis helps you make sense of the information and decisions ahead.
The type of cancer and features such as hormone receptors and HER2 help your care team explain the diagnosis and consider treatment. Ask which features apply to your cancer.
Where breast cancer begins and how it differs
Breast cancers can be described by where they begin and by features that influence their behavior. These terms may appear together in a diagnosis.
Understanding your diagnosis
Breast cancers can be described by where they begin and by features that influence their behavior. These terms may appear together in a diagnosis.
Behind every number is a person
These U.S. figures describe the scale of breast cancer. They cover different measures and cannot predict an individual outcome.
U.S. estimates for 2026 · Source: American Cancer Society
Changes in your breasts to notice
A lump is one possible sign of breast cancer, but changes can also affect the skin, nipple or nearby lymph nodes.
Understand your risk of breast cancer
Risk factors can relate to your history, inherited changes and everyday habits. Discuss the factors that apply to you with your doctor.
Risk increases with age, and breast cancer is much more common in women.
Harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 changes and a family history of breast or ovarian cancer can increase risk.
Dense breasts and a history of breast cancer or certain noncancerous breast conditions can affect risk.
Earlier radiation treatment to the chest can increase later risk.
Reproductive history and some hormone medicines can influence risk.
Alcohol use, physical inactivity and excess weight are among the factors to discuss.
Steps that may help lower risk: Be physically active, maintain a healthy weight and avoid or limit alcohol. Review hormone medicines and your family history with your doctor. If your risk is elevated, ask about genetic counseling, screening and appropriate prevention options.
How breast cancer is found — step by step
Your screening plan should reflect your age and personal risk. A new breast change or an abnormal screening result may require further assessment.
Mammograms use low-dose X-rays to look for breast changes. Ask your doctor which screening schedule is appropriate for you.
An ultrasound or additional mammogram images may help clarify an abnormal finding. MRI may be considered for some people at higher risk.
If an area remains concerning, a tissue sample can help identify the cells present.
Ask for a copy of your pathology report and an explanation of the type, grade and features that may guide treatment.
Understanding your results: An abnormal mammogram does not automatically mean cancer. Ask what the next test will clarify and when your care team will explain the results.
Explore your breast cancer treatment options
Treatment recommendations depend on your cancer’s type, stage and characteristics, your health and your preferences. Your team may recommend a combination of approaches.
Surgery removes the cancer or affected tissue. Options can include breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy; your surgeon can explain what fits your diagnosis.
High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells in a defined area.
Medicines kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Treatment blocks hormones that help some breast cancers grow.
Medicines focus on specific genes or proteins involved in cancer growth, including HER2 when appropriate.
Research studies test new treatments or new ways to use existing treatments. Ask whether a trial may fit your situation.
You don’t need to understand everything at once
A diagnosis can bring questions about treatment and everyday life. Take time to understand your results, ask for explanations and involve someone you trust when that helps.
Breast Cancer — A few steps can help
A few steps can help
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Researchers are investigating why breast cancer spreads, why some tumors resist treatment and how to identify the changes that drive different subtypes. Work on circulating tumor cells, imaging and cancer biology is helping scientists explore more precise ways to detect and treat the disease. Experimental findings need further testing before they can become established treatments.
We support research into cancer genetics, metastasis, treatment resistance and new therapeutic approaches. Our support for Daniel Haber’s research began in 2000, and we supported Susan Band Horwitz from 2000 to 2020. Alongside other current and past-supported researchers, their work has helped build the scientific foundation for progress in breast cancer detection and treatment.
Meet current and past-supported scientists investigating breast cancer biology and treatment.
Studies cancer genetics and circulating tumor cells to investigate treatment targets, including in triple-negative breast cancer.
View his research
Develops experimental imaging and treatment approaches to help surgeons identify and attack breast cancer cells that could otherwise remain after surgery.
View his research
Investigate how essential enzymes influence breast cancer growth, blood vessel formation and metastasis.
View their research
Studies the biological processes that allow breast cancer to spread, including the role of mitochondrial genes and RNA fragments.
View his research
Investigates cancer signaling and experimental approaches to block tumor growth and immune suppression, including pathways relevant to breast cancer.
View his research
Explained how Taxol disrupts cancer cell division. Her NFCR-supported work examined drug resistance and compounds relevant to breast cancer treatment.
View her research
Developed compounds based on natural products, including collaborative work with Susan Horwitz to explore less toxic approaches relevant to breast cancer.
View his researchExplore the next step in your journey
Understanding your diagnosis, staging, pathology and the questions to ask your doctor.
Navigate a new diagnosisExplore treatment approaches, clinical trials and ways to manage care and treatment side effects.
Explore treatment infoResources to help you navigate daily life with cancer, from managing challenges to finding support along the way.
Living with cancerExplore information and resources to help you and your loved ones navigate cancer.
Patient & caregiver resourcesDiscover meaningful ways to support cancer research and help move medical advancements forward.
Find ways to helpEvery new discovery has the potential to change what we know about cancer — how it begins, how it spreads, how it can be detected, and how it can be treated.
Your support helps fund scientists working across cancer types to turn promising discoveries into life-saving options for patients.
Prefer to speak with someone? Call us to donate — 1-800-321-CURE.
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