Breast Cancer
Use the Breast Cancer Web Guide to learn about breast cancer: what causes it, how to treat it and how to get support while fighting it. You'll come out feeling more informed about what's happening to your body and will be better prepared to fight the disease.
Expand All Guide SectionsBreast Cancer Information
Whether you want to learn about breast cancer because someone you know has been diagnosed with it ... read more »
Breast Cancer Risk
With diseases like cancer, there may be no cause or there may be many contributing factors. In this ... read more »
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Much of breast cancer diagnosis focuses on early detection and self-screening. A ... read more »
Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not as common among men nor is it a topic that is often discussed. Use the sites ... read more »
Breast Cancer Treatment
Although most types of breast cancer have typical avenues of treatment, treatment decisions are ... read more »
Coping With Cancer
As you go through treatment, breast cancer may affect your sexuality, physical appearance and relations with others. In this section, find Web sites that address coping with cancer, including how to live your life while you fight breast cancer and during recovery.
Insights for Coping With Cancer
- Whether you choose to cover up some of the physical changes that may occur due to treatment for breast cancer is a very personal choice. Some of the sites with information about wigs, breast implants or other cosmetic replacements have support areas where women can write about how they coped with cosmetic issues.
- There are many options when considering breast reconstruction. Be sure that you understand what options are available to you before making a decision. Web sites that discuss reconstruction often provide drawings to detail explanations.
- Reconstruction involves using a prosthesis to replace the missing breast. There has been a lot of controversy over the past years about the different types of prostheses available. Using the Web, you can search for information on prostheses, including sites run by organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Top Sites for Coping With Cancer
For sexual and reproductive health ...
Cancer Research UK
addresses the topic of pregnancy after breast cancer. The authors discuss avoiding pregnancy during treatment, becoming pregnant after treatment and fertility issues.
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre in Australia
addresses how a woman's sexuality is affected when she has breast cancer. Learn how to deal with the difficulties you may encounter during treatment and after.
ehealthMD
discusses the full spectrum of issues that arise when living with breast cancer. Particular emphasis is given to self-image and sexuality, along with tips on coping with the psychological effects of mastectomy, fear of relapse and the disease itself.
For your physical appearance ...
Look Good...Feel Better
(LGFB) program was developed to help women in cancer treatment feel better about their appearance. Read about makeovers, get hair help and see before-and-after photos of women who have taken part in LGFB programs. Also search for a group program near you.
Breast Cancer Network Australia
has a fact sheet on hair loss during chemotherapy. Look for tips and advice on ways you can prepare yourself for hair loss, and information on using wigs, hats and turbans. A chart near the bottom of the page lists chemotherapy treatments and tells you the amount of hair you can expect to lose and when the hair is likely to fall out for each treatment.
For families and children ...
Aetna Women's Health
discusses family issues that can arise when a woman has breast cancer. Practical ways to cope with these family concerns are provided.
American Cancer Society
has information on how to talk to your children about your breast cancer. The authors provide insight into different age groups and the concepts they understand, making it easier to know what to say to a three-year-old versus an eight-year-old, for example.
Breast Cancer Network of Strength
provides very thorough guidance for talking to children about cancer with information and tips organized by age group.
For breast reconstruction ...
Macmillan Cancer Support
offers information on breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer. Use the links on the left to explore topics such as reconstruction, materials used, possible complications and much more.
National Cancer Institute
covers breast reconstruction and prostheses, and has a list of questions to ask your doctor if you are considering breast reconstruction.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has consumer information on breast implants. There is a question-and-answer section as well as information on complications and making an informed decision about breast implants.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
provides a comprehensive review of breast reconstruction following cancer or other diseases. This section covers the risks of such surgery, planning the surgery, the types of surgery, implants and anesthesia, follow-up procedures and what happens after the surgery.
American Cancer Society
covers breast reconstruction following a mastectomy. It reviews the choices, goals, special considerations, types of surgeries available and other topics.
Breast Cancer Research
There's a lot of ongoing research into the prevention, screening and treatment of breast cancer. ... read more »
Breast Cancer Forums
In addition to the support you get from doctors, friends and family, you can take advantage of the ... read more »
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