Breast Cancer 101
Everything you'll need to know.
Were you recently diagnosed with breast cancer? Breast Cancer 101 is designed to help you sort through all of the information on our site to find what is more relevant to you right now.
The links below will direct you to the pages on Breastcancer.org that will help you understand test results, the individual characteristics of the cancer, treatments that are recommended for you, and more.
Chapter 1: Understanding Your Diagnosis
Multiple tests are done on the breast cancer tissue that was removed during biopsy or surgery to determine how the cells look and behave. The results of these tests make up your pathology report. Learn what the information in your pathology report means for your particular diagnosis in the following sections.
Non-Invasive or Invasive Breast Cancer
Vascular or Lymphatic System Invasion
Ploidy (Number of Chromosomes)
Your Diagnosis: Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Chapter 2: Types of Breast Cancer
There are different types of breast cancer, depending on where the cancer started in the breast and whether it's invasive or non-invasive. Your pathology report tells you the types of breast cancer that was found during surgery. Learn more about your type from the appropriate section below.
DCIS — Ductal Carcinoma In Situ
IDC — Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
These are different subtypes of IDC that contain cancer cells that look and behave in a specific way. If you are diagnosed with a subtype of IDC, you can learn about it here.
- IDC Type: Tubular Carcinoma of the Breast
- IDC Type: Medullary Carcinoma of the Breast
- IDC Type: Mucinous Carcinoma of the Breast
- IDC Type: Papillary Carcinoma of the Breast
- IDC Type: Cribriform Carcinoma of the Breast
ILC — Invasive Lobular Carcinoma
LCIS — Lobular Carcinoma In Situ
Phyllodes Tumors of the Breast
There are many treatment options available for women diagnosed with breast cancer that has come back (recurrence) or spread to another part of the body (metastasis).
Living with Metastatic Disease
Treatments for Metastatic Cancer
Chapter 3: Planning Your Treatment
Depending in your diagnosis, your doctor will recommend one or more treatments. Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and targeted therapy all fight cancer cells in different ways.
Learn what to expect from each treatment and questions you may want to ask your doctor about each treatment.
Fertility Issues to Discuss Before You Start Treatment
Drugs for Treatment and Risk Reduction
Treatments for breast cancer all cause side effects that can affect your quality of life. Learn what to expect from treatment side effects and what you can do to manage them.
Are you interested in participating in a clinical trial, or does your doctor think you are a candidate for one? Find out what it means to participate in a clinical trial.
Additional Information
Complementary & Holistic Medicines
Talking to Your Family and Friends About Breast Cancer
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Tamoxifen (Brand Names: Nolvadex, Soltamox)
Tamoxifen is the oldest and most-prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)....
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Breast Self-Exam
Breast self-exam, or regularly examining your breasts on your own, can be an important way to...
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Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is non-invasive breast cancer. Ductal means that the cancer...
