Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the United States (other than skin cancer). Each year, more than 180,000 women in this country learn they have breast cancer. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has written this booklet to help patients with breast cancer and their families and friends better understand this disease. We hope others will read it as well to learn more about breast cancer.

This booklet discusses screening and early detection, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. It also has information to help patients cope with breast cancer.

Content of the Booklet:
   -What Is Cancer?
   -The Breasts
   -Types of Breast Cancer
   -Risk Factors for Breast Cancer
   -Early Detection
   -Symptoms
   -Diagnosis
   -When Cancer Is Found
   -Treatment
        Planning Treatment
        Methods of Treatment
        Treatment Choices
        Side Effects of Treatment
        Surgery
        Radiation Therapy
        Chemotherapy
        Hormonal Therapy
   -Nutrition for Cancer Patients
   -Breast Reconstruction
   -Rehabilitation
   -Followup Care
   -Living With Cancer
   -Support for Breast Cancer Patients
   -What the Future Holds
   -The Promise of Cancer Research
        Causes and Prevention
        Detection and Diagnosis
        Clinical Trials
   -Other Booklets
   -Glossary

Male Breast Cancer

Breast cancer affects more than 1,000 men in this country each year. Although this booklet was written mainly for women, much of the information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and living with the disease applies to men as well. (The Early Detection section does not apply to men. Experts do not recommend routine screening for men.)