Breast Cancer Definition & Overview

Definition

Breast cancer is a disease in which cancer cells grow in the breast tissue.

Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control or order. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably, a mass of tissue forms. This is called a growth or tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors. They can invade nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

Although most people think of breast cancer as affecting women, men can develop breast cancer as well. Breast cancer in men can be more aggressive.

Breast Cancer

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

Better Outcomes Associated With Breast Cancer Detected Through Screening
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Better Outcomes Associated With Breast Cancer Detected Through Screening.

Better Outcomes Associated With Breast Cancer Detected Through Screening by
When you find a lump
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for When you find a lump.

When you find a lump Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by
Generalized breast lumpiness
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Generalized breast lumpiness.

Generalized breast lumpiness Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by
Breast Cancer Center
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Breast Cancer Center.

Breast Cancer Center
Study Suggests Women With High Stress Levels Are Less Likely to Develop Breast Cancer
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Study Suggests Women With High Stress Levels Are Less Likely to Develop Breast Cancer.

Study Suggests Women With High Stress Levels Are Less Likely to Develop Breast Cancer b

Glossary
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Glossary.

Glossary Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by
How Many Women Can Benefit From Tamoxifen?
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for How Many Women Can Benefit From Tamoxifen?.

How Many Women Can Benefit From Tamoxifen? by Karen Schroe
When Your Best Friend Has Breast Cancer
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for When Your Best Friend Has Breast Cancer.
Infections and inflammation
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Infections and inflammation.

Infections and inflammation Adapted from the National Institutes of Health by
Mammograms: A Little Pain for A Lot of Gain
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Mammograms: A Little Pain for A Lot of Gain.

Mammograms: A Little Pain for A Lot of Gain By Urmila Parl