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
Anyone can develop breast cancer, not just women. Risks for breast cancer include having a family history of cancer or having BRCA gene mutations.
Screening for breast cancer
Screening mammography helps find breast cancer before symptoms develop.
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
The stage of breast cancer describes the size of the tumour (T), if cancer is in the lymph nodes (N) and if it has spread or metastasized (M).
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
Prognosis estimates the outcome for breast cancer. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors, including the stage and grade of the cancer.
Treatments for breast cancer
Breast cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Breast reconstruction, prostheses and remaining flat
Breast reconstruction, breast prostheses and choosing to "remain flat" are all options once you've had surgery to remove breast cancer.
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.
Breast cancer statistics
Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from breast cancer in a certain time frame.
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