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 or you have breast cancer yourself, you can start searching for reliable, easy-to-understand information on the Web. Use the sites below to find breast cancer information, and learn about the different types of breast cancer.
Insights for Breast Cancer Information
- The most dependable Web sites for health-related information are universities, medical centers, hospitals and patient organizations. If it's not obvious who has developed a site, visit the "About Us" section, usually at the bottom of the homepage.
- Find more information on breast cancer, see the general cancer sites in our Cancer Web Guide.
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Information
For information about what breast cancer is ...
American Cancer Society
provides an overview of breast cancer along with links to more information.
National Cancer Institute
has a "What You Need To Know About Breast Cancer" guide that provides an anatomy lesson on the breasts, risk factors, information on screening and more. Use the links on the left to navigate through the guide.
Johns Hopkins Breast Center
has an "Ask an Expert" section that provides answers to hundreds of user-submitted questions about breast cancer.
For the different types of breast cancer ...
ehealthMD
provides a lot of information on the different types of breast cancer, including the more rare types.
Breastcancer.org
presents images of the different types of breast cancer. The drawings are labeled to help you understand the different parts of the breast and where the cancer is located.
To debunk some breast cancer myths ...
Breastcancer.org
presents "Myths About Breast Cancer." It reviews the different myths circulating about the causes of breast cancer and addresses why they aren't true.
Breast Cancer Risk
With diseases like cancer, there may be no cause or there may be many contributing factors. In this section, we provide Web sites that discuss possible breast cancer risks and factors that may contribute to the development of cancer in the breast.
Insights for Breast Cancer Risk
- Like many types of cancer, your chances of developing breast cancer have a lot to do with your family medical history. See our Genealogy Web Guide for sites to help you research and record your family history (medical or otherwise).
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Risk
American Cancer Society
reviews breast cancer causes and risk factors. The list includes risk factors that can't be changed (such as genetics) and risk factors that may be lifestyle-related.
Mayo Clinic
reviews the causes and risk factors for breast cancer, which include smoking, excess weight and hormone therapy.
National Breast Cancer Centre in Australia
offers an information sheet entitled "Do you have breast cancer in your family?" It reviews the risks for developing breast cancer if it is in your family and provides an assessment questionnaire.
Breastcancer.org
explains in detail a few of the risk factors for getting breast cancer such as age, personal history of breast cancer and family history of breast cancer. Find ways to reduce your risk if you feel one of these risks applies to you.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Much of breast cancer diagnosis focuses on early detection and self-screening. A cancer that is found in the earlier stages is usually easier to treat than one that has progressed further. Use the sites below to read about self-screening, mammogram screening guidelines and how doctors diagnose breast cancer.
Insights for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
- Many Web sites, although geared toward the general public, may use language that isn't always easy to understand. Check the links section to see if the site has a glossary or dictionary.
- You may want to ask your doctor about the different tests you're finding on the Web. It's often easier to remember if you take notes and even mention the site you were reading. Many oncologists and breast cancer surgeons are aware of the reputable Web sites and are willing to discuss your findings.
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Diagnosis
For breast self-exams ...
Canadian Cancer Society
has this page titled "Know your breasts" that teaches you to become familiar with your normal breasts so you can recognize any irregularity. Use the link at the bottom of the page to learn what to look for.
For screening and early detection information ...
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
covers early detection and screening, including various methods of screening, screening recommendations and issues related to screening and early detection.
For diagnostic tests ...
National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre in Australia
explains the process of a breast biopsy report. It describes what information is given to your doctor to help determine the types of treatments that might be best for you. There is also a review of the pathology report.
National Cancer Institute's
article, "Improving Methods for Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis," reviews the different types of tests that are available. Each test procedure is thoroughly explained along with its strengths and limitations as compared to other test methods. Looking for just a quick overview of the different tests? The site also offers a brief rundown on its "Detection and Diagnosis" page.
Male Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is not as common among men nor is it a topic that is often discussed. Use the sites below to explore male breast cancer.
Insights for Male Breast Cancer
- Some of the sites that have information for men with breast cancer may also have support groups, message boards or chat rooms that can help you connect with other men in the same situation.
- The sites below directly address men and their particular needs but men can get a lot of information from the women's Web sites as well.
Top Sites for Male Breast Cancer
National Cancer Institute
reviews breast cancer in men, covering risk factors, treatments, survival and prognosis.
American Cancer Society
provides several links to topics such as breast cancer risk factors for men, prevention, early detection and treatment.
John W. Nick Foundation
is dedicated to male breast cancer awareness. Find out if you are at risk for breast cancer, learn how to perform a breast self-exam and find out how to get involved in advocating male breast cancer awareness.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Although most types of breast cancer have typical avenues of treatment, treatment decisions are also based on whether cancer is new or recurring, your age, your ability to tolerate certain medications and so on. In this section, find Web sites that discuss some of the breast cancer treatment options available.
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Treatment
For general breast cancer treatment information ...
Breastcancer.org
provides an overview of the treatment options available. Use the links in the article to find more information.
For radiology ...
RadiologyInfo
provides an overview of breast cancer and treatment options along with extensive information on radiation therapy for breast cancer including possible side effects, complications and follow-up.
For surgery ...
National Reseaerch Center for Women and Families
has a 28-page PDF document about the surgical options for women with early-stage breast cancer. The document reviews the different stages of breast cancer, the surgical choices and questions you should ask yourself and your health care professional.
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. Use the sites below to find the latest in breast cancer research and information about ongoing trials and study findings.
Insights for Breast Cancer Research
- As always with medical and health topics, be careful where you get your information. Check to see that the source of a study is trustworthy, such as a university site or one that's associated with a hospital or an organization such as the American Cancer Society.
- Health information can change quickly in research and breast cancer treatment, so be sure that the information you're reading is up to date. Check the date of the most recent updates, usually at the bottom of the homepage, or the dates on the articles themselves.
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Research
For general breast cancer research ...
Artemis,
a publication of the Johns Hopkins Breast Center, is an online breast cancer journal. Access articles from the current edition and the archives, or sign up for e-mails about any changes or additions.
Emaxhealth
links to the most recent breast cancer news, gathered from around the Web. Use the search field on the top right if you're looking for something specific.
Breast Cancer Research
is an online journal that allows full access to many of its articles. Search previous issues of the journal as well.
The Oncologist
is a peer-reviewed medical journal for cancer specialists. The articles aren't accessible without a subscription but you can access the abstracts.
For clinical trials ...
ClinicalTrials.gov
is a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health that lists clinical trials currently underway to research breast cancer. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
National Cancer Institute
lists research studies taking place around the world. Click on a study to find a summary and contact information.
CenterWatch
lists clinical trials in breast cancer by state.
Breast Cancer Forums
In addition to the support you get from doctors, friends and family, you can take advantage of the Internet to make contact with others who have shared your experience. Find some breast cancer forums, breast cancer chat rooms, discussion boards and newsletters that can offer help and support.
Insights for Breast Cancer Forums
- Look for sites that are well used and, if possible, moderated. Moderation allows the sponsoring site to ensure that discussions stay on topic and don't stray if they're not supposed to.
- Stay safe; don't give out personal information on public message boards.
Top Sites for Breast Cancer Forums
Breast Cancer Support
has a live chat room that begins around 8:30 p.m. (Eastern) every night. Read guest books or create your own for others to use. There are also message boards, including one for caregivers and men.
Living Beyond Breast Cancer
is a well-organized and upbeat source that is "dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer." Check out the message boards and calendar of events to get involved. The site is also available in Spanish.
Gilda's Club,
named for the comedian Gilda Radner, is a nonprofit association that was created to provide emotional and social support to people fighting cancer, as well as their friends and family. Browse the site for helpful resources or become a member.
My Parents Cancer
is a site based in Australia for young people whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer. It has a glossary to explain medical jargon and it explains what breast cancer is. The site also talks about many of the emotions and problems that a child or teen may have coping with the situation.
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