--- title: An Introduction to Breast Cancer date: 2026-02-18T11:00:00-05:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-overview" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# An Introduction to Breast Cancer ![BC Action Logo Square 1024x1024](https://assets.ourbodiesourselves.org/transforms/5e33171962ee2e090146dc44b79545ad/258604/BCAction-Logo-Square-1024x1024_2026-03-05-155049_anti_3dce4e28548f7c5543fba03b175c711a.jpg) This content originated with the education and advocay nonprofit, Breast Cancer Action. ![A woman in a pink t-shirt and pink scarf](data:image/png;base64,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) [Krakenimages.com](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/200860971/krakenimages-com?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock ## Overview Breast cancer is both all too common and incredibly individual. It’s the most common cancer (excluding skin cancer) diagnosed in women living in the U.S. Although nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year, no two people have the same experience. Each breast cancer diagnosis is unique and deeply personal. There are many other resources that define medical terms and explain cancer biology, and this overview does not replace those. Rather, this resource contextualizes the evolving science of breast cancer and provides a perspective that is not available elsewhere. Accurate, unbiased information allows patients to make well-informed decisions about available treatments based on personal needs. We believe that breast cancer screening, treatment, and research must be patient-centered and responsive to the needs of those at risk of and living with breast cancer, and should not reflect corporate or industry bias that puts profits over patients. Dramatic increases in the incidence of breast cancer in recent decades are a serious public health concern. And disparities in who develops and dies from breast cancer make it an important health justice issue. As a grassroots organization committed to social justice, we recognize that the commonalities in experiences of breast cancer are often reflective of larger systemic issues. At the same time, we honor the diversity of lived experience and respect that each person’s perspective is valid. > Seven out of eight women will not get breast cancer in their lifetime. ## What is Breast Cancer? ![A woman with a green bandana on her head looks at the camera](data:image/png;base64,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) Breast cancer has been around for thousands of years. The word cancer comes from the Greek word carcinos, meaning crab, and early descriptions of diseases likely to be breast cancer can be found in ancient Egyptian and ancient Greek texts. Cancers are usually identified by the organ in which they first develop. Even though breast cancers all originate from breast tissue, there are many different types of breast cancer. Understanding the specific subtype of breast cancer is important for knowing what it means for a person’s treatment and outcomes. The breast itself is a non-vital organ, which is to say that people can live without breasts, and cancer that stays in the breast is unlikely to be fatal. However, sometimes breast cancer cells spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. When this happens, someone may have breast cancer in their lungs, brain, liver, or bones. When dealing with a new breast cancer diagnosis, there is a lot to learn about the specific type and stage of the disease. Data and statistics about the characteristics and extent of the cancer can help guide treatment decisions. But no statistic can predict with certainty what will happen in an individual case or how a person will respond to treatment. Each person is different, and treatment decisions are extremely personal. > Although nearly 300,000 people are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer each year, no two people have the same experience. [More from this toolkit](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-screening-diagnosis) Screening and surveillance are terms to describe looking for early signs of breast cancer in people who do not have symptoms. Neither screening nor surveillance can prevent breast cancer, but both aim to catch the disease in its early stages, when it is sometimes more treatable. [More from this toolkit](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-breast-cancer) There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ breast cancer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/breast-cancer) - [ understanding breast health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-breast-cancer) - [introductions](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/introductions) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Types of Breast Cancer There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective. ![A woman sits in front of her doctor to discuss her mamogram](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAADm0lEQVRIiW1WW47jMAwjGXfvf5jFnm3aqcX90MPpYIwgcJJW1IOizH///pKUdF1rrbUej8fjz2M9Ho/HWuta65IoEjDsiL3f7/f7+/36fr1er+fz+fx6fn19Pfv2fD5fr9f39/f7/d4RIeQ/AaBv5wEwPA/ul73mkWdDnicAlG0YsO2+nYfeoHawnUAfYAQAEiDy1gvAsm0ANh1hO+yIcF6mg4ZCJoCBPNZd/jIRcjMhkVhhs5xUpOmzdvlBkB3nWYDbOkkQFD8XwBURJA2DQcaOUIQi9t6kyA3AcsZb0XkydXOZzAKM6VwrIkAIJrBJbkniLl9AXIAhkoSdCB1AI5RpkKAIESQFBMm1Y4O0ARDldXuRjLAtURqmRgwjMktt+vxXIiXZWHsHCMvuuhzrAGBfli85kn92EyAJV7Usr+tKh2Ii6Or9YNsQVLKUWcogbNvR7ieF2Bj5S2YMWO+9CYStQkBmy8B0yHVZlqgOylXqabaqru7XpGgTYCF0D03DNTMlSVlAGPApdUeAm2lKUoQkrL03ADJkXb6mTVMyBkG6Lpk0yexoB5qsvHewqsZT5PfOTw77unle6lNBXZftS3QSwJ8YxY1bnSVFuCLIL+atR92y11sbl2BZVAeBYUbzT83RYSlW7I3sPN2tt4olT0wYuGDDKtqPFOKmGZ0mSQpbwIodyC7s9Nw1MgmIyvLOqKrFgWRSCzx5qwIp0RCWI7IfaZ3OAQhukAxy1761PikP8Eh6s7UbVZRoM7C8o5sxbAZIIEAytCMYwQgEGcEgCEMCoOnDCeEzClkGWBGQhGmJCIOmHREMpWznJgFAwESQN1bccttqRFqSF+ImurBphyEjgNxHvTTrQ9ISbrIWW9s6xjzCXgwju1PALUdQxV7dlDDMKRegisBuaRr6nZEpwQs2DRA0acxV1Kx9g4WNsAQHOPCTIt/siwqYizNV0/TMJ/cR4YC1+IVB4zamP2o9qgEBXrKL8kaJjUlQzcuZDHP4IMIm2Lo4GK2uPQwBcrGnQLovQGmd+gUDJR8cQezx7JOiQ1fYK/URJtlek79gTJZmZgzanNxmRme/GyCXpgWBzIw6xMGbo88YnV3l5ZT58DU3i0j3s6Q9v5GKWNEcNW4inlNel/jjwFl5AsF1jk6AcEsUfgmiHC97Nym/C3Cd8ZJjGABU2ZtiGVPZv2fowExu5unHb4qq521nCUfZ+8R5zpunnB/G8aP8vf4DktKpXFY/BwEAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-breast-cancer) [ResourcesRead ## Breast Cancer Symptoms What are the possible signs of having breast cancer? Many healthy breasts are lumpy, and most lumps are not cancerous. In fact, 80% of breast lumps that are biopsied are not cancer—they are benign. ![Adobe Stock 460123206](data:image/png;base64,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) What are the possible signs of having breast cancer? Many healthy breasts are lumpy, and most lumps are not cancerous. In fact, 80% of breast lumps that are biopsied are not cancer—they are benign.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-symptoms) [ResourcesRead ## Breast Cancer Risks: Facts & Myths This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't. ![A black and white photo of a woman's torso with her hands covering her breasts](data:image/png;base64,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) This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-risks-facts-myths) [ResourcesRead ## Breast Cancer and Environmental Toxins The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health. ![Toxic household cleaners in front of a cabinet](data:image/png;base64,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) The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-and-environmental-toxins) [ResourcesRead ## Potential Risk Factors for Breast Cancer What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer? ![View in microscopic of ductal cell carcinoma, adenonocarcinoma from human breast cancer, tissue section by H and E stain. Pathology diagnosis. Medical concept. Under microscope, magnification 600X](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACZUlEQVRIiXVWyxHlIAyTGPq/bUNbwhYU7cHYlvNIDkwIIFvyh/Dfn78ASJIgybXWIknGGAsABECS9OT41ESSICD3gciHC/3QV34efS/h8yCxCBwfATA38nZG0wrna53k+LxBoiTyfY3r5L/cd2XaXQCrdSZBAjEOvy9UGiMcHJ67lR2eJwsEj46GAEaAL7Yq/BREENTPns2Vwgwev/4KgmVL6QICIkNJ5mcliX3S8FhAUS5UNv5Fs0InmeEKgBO6vRZ7c8e5ct/wpDRjNhJd0pmYfiqJ0puft4JOkSpfBARuoJK+0s9m15otuJ+qScpkoWwCSBYz1DurTOH3YRh7r+gfUQaUquT0GAgCYm5WqRjouthwusEBFeJjMqeHQfgvCezjujOYJHpGUJY+h+KO6IR+xxlDPQymOO8UGGbw2rrHiVeYZfJAMHp8G+mQmP6QwsDA73pSlm8bLCgxq9YKvfZ1Y9F+uR6gcYP0vlH8sz/ZcRep0mO7C+86Pc3HZQKQNaVudkVOpWsm4y7qKuehIjEkGwzoS6lLpbjK6s441qe6ZE3ZeedQWTYjKRyhm8o0kND+fmmf+WJWW5ZCDwtbeoxSaSQTbtjIlgJlYyh9jleJfir58SysGLVinwysM1TfSt9s3Ho6Zy1MmrK71pcPLbD5Gav70TO1nITQMuC3SbzgB/hJrQryrODG1BvuZUAXE3bzaT/P5ZQjff3sWQG5PphJVAzm46DnLvnlUYBVBJZCxeFtwFtv/19Ykx8E0oKL3uOpgxHAuteOi6yOMy7zdtBSoqce1RX9E7LhFsyL//WuzzUB/wHPpIFNz3fYQAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) What are the possible risk factors for breast cancer? Are there ways to minimize our risk of developing breast cancer?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/potential-breast-cancer-risk-factors) [ResourcesRead ## The Social Determinants of Health in Breast Cancer Care A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time. ![African American mother covering face while sitting by unpaid bills, children playing behind her at home.](data:image/png;base64,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) A survey of community-based, organizational, and clinical barriers to care demonstrates that life stressors impact treatment and health outcomes, something holistic practitioners have known for a very long time.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/social-determinants-breast-cancer-care) [ResourcesRead ## What to Do When Someone You Know Has Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis? ![Older Asian woman with cancer hugs friend](data:image/png;base64,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) What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/support-loved-one-with-breast-cancer) [ResourcesRead ## Pills for Prevention What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates. ![A person refusing pills](data:image/png;base64,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) What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pills-for-prevention)