Breast cancer

Definition of breast cancer:
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2009:
New cases: 192,370 (female); 1,910 (male)
Deaths: 40,170 (female); 440 (male)

Introduction

This National Cancer Institute (NCI) booklet (NIH Publication No. 05-1556) has important information about breast cancer.* Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in this country (other than skin cancer). Each year, more than 211,000 American women learn they have this disease.

You will read about possible causes, screening, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. You will also find ideas about how to cope with the disease.

Breast Cancer in Men

Each year, about 1,700 men in this country learn they have breast cancer. Most information in this booklet applies to men with breast cancer. However, more specific information about breast cancer in men is available on NCI's

Scientists are studying breast cancer to find out more about its causes. And they are looking for better ways to prevent, find, and treat it.

NCI provides information about cancer, including the publications mentioned in this booklet. You can order these materials by telephone or on the Internet. You can also read them online and print your own copy.

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