Education

In the United States, breast cancer is the second most common cancer among women (some kinds of skin cancer are the most common.) Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. (Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.) For non-Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women, breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death.

Based on 2023 data from the American Cancer Society (ACS), 1 in every 8 women (13%) will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. For men, the lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is 1 in 833 (0.12%). The ACS estimates in 2024, there will be 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer diagnosed in women and 2800 new cases in men. An estimated 55,720 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) will be diagnosed this year as well.

These numbers are slightly higher than estimates from 2022, which were 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of DCIS among women.

Despite many advances in breast cancer treatment in the past few decades, which have prolonged life expectancy and improved the quality of life of those with the condition, this prevalent disease remains incredibly common, with rising rates of diagnosis among young women.

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, despite awareness, screening and early detection, “nearly 30 percent of women diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer will see their disease metastasize and spread to other organs.” That means the cancer cells which originated in the breast can spread to the lungs, bones and brain, a much more severe diagnosis.

Meeting with your healthcare provider to talk about breast cancer diagnosis can be stressful. Have an awareness and arming yourself with information for understanding the terms can empower patients. This can help to know what questions and make it easier. Here are a few things to understand before you arrange your appointment.

Commonly-Used Cancer Terms

Metastasis What happens when cancer spreads from its primary site to other areas of the body. It doesn’t happen to everyone with breast cancer, but when it does, it usually invades the bones, brain, liver, and/or lungs.

Biopsy The removal of tissue or cells that may reveal cancer under a microscope.

BRCA 1 and 2 genes Genes that sometimes show a defect associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. About 1 in 500 women has a mutation in their BRCA genes. Approximately 1 in 500 women carries a BRCA mutation, and those with this mutation may have up to a 70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.

Breast density A measure of how much fat tissue is in a breast versus gland and fibrous tissue. It can be harder to detect tumors in dense breasts.

CA 125 A blood test that measures levels of cancer antigen 125 in the body. It can be used to monitor breast and ovarian cancer and detect its recurrence.

CA 15-3 A similar test that is used to monitor breast cancer and its treatment.Hormone therapy Medication that adjusts hormone levels in the body. It’s often used to treat patients with reproductive cancers.

Lymphedema Swelling and fluid retention (usually in the limbs) that may develop when lymph nodes are damaged by surgery, cancer, or cancer treatments.

Mastectomy Surgery to remove part or all of the breast(s). It may be followed by a reconstruction that reshapes or recreates breast tissue.

Mammogram A special kind of X-ray test that looks for signs of breast cancer.

Below are some questions you can use to help guide your discussions with your health care provider. Breast cancer symptoms:
What are the most common symptoms?
Can breast cancer be asymptomatic?
When should I go to the ER or call your office?

Risk factors:
What can cause breast cancer?
Do I have the breast cancer gene?
Should I get surgery if I do?
Could I pass the gene on to my children?
Should other family members get tested?

Diagnosis:
What cancer tests do I need?
Are there different types of breast cancer?
Which type of breast cancer do I have?
How is breast cancer graded?
What grade is my cancer?
Can the grade change over time?

Treatment:
What are the side effects of my medication?
Will I need surgery?
Could my cancer return after remission?
Are there any further tests or screenings I’ll need?

Below are cancer service organizations that provide educational information related to breast cancer. Many of these websites provide both detailed and simple information to provide information for newly diagnosed patients, metastatic patients and survivors.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES RELATED TO BREAST CANCER

Here are PDFs of scientific studies on several items:
Below are some of the most-cited articles related to breast cancer.