Breast cancer
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer starts in the cells of the breast. Learn about symptoms, screening, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to breast cancer.
Risks for breast cancer
There are many risks for breast cancer, including a family history of cancer and having dense breasts. Learn about breast cancer risk in women.
Screening for breast cancer
Screening helps find breast cancer before symptoms develop. The most reliable method is screening mammography. Learn about screening guidelines.
Symptoms of breast cancer
A lump in the breast is the most common first symptom of breast cancer. Learn about the symptoms of breast cancer.
Diagnosis of breast cancer
Diagnostic tests are done when symptoms or screening suggest a problem with the breast. Learn about tests used to diagnose and stage breast cancer.
Grading breast cancer
Grading breast cancer tumours is an important part in planning treatment and estimating prognosis. Learn about the grades of breast cancer and grading ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).
Stages of breast cancer
Staging describes how much breast cancer there is in the body. Learn about the stages of breast cancer by the TNM system.
If breast cancer spreads
Cancer can spread from the breast to other parts of the body. This is called metastasis. Learn about common sites where breast cancer spreads.
Prognosis and survival for breast cancer
Learn about prognosis for breast cancer. Important prognostic factors include stage and lymph node status. Tumour size, grade and type are also factors.
Treatments for breast cancer
Treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. Learn about treatment plans and options for breast cancer.
Breast reconstruction and prostheses
After surgery to remove breast cancer, you may find it hard to cope with the loss of your breast and the change to your appearance. Breast reconstruction and breast prostheses are options that are intended to help you feel better about yourself and your body. But many women choose not to reconstruct or wear a prosthesis. Only you can decide which option is best for you.
Supportive care for breast cancer
Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of breast cancer. It is an important part of cancer care. There are many programs and services available to help meet the needs and improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones.
Research in breast cancer
Researchers and healthcare professionals use what they learn from research studies to develop better practices that will help prevent, find and treat breast cancer.
Breast cancer statistics
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Canadian women. Learn about incidence and mortality statistics for breast cancer.