Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the breast, it is called breast cancer. The breast is made up of three main parts: glands, ducts, and connective tissue.

Sometimes breast cells become abnormal and grow faster than normal cells. These extra cells form a mass called a tumor. Some tumors are "benign," or not cancerous. Other tumors are "malignant," meaning they are cancerous and have the ability to spread to other parts of the breast and body and disrupt normal functions in those areas.

Getting a mammogram : FAQs

Who gets breast cancer?

All women are at risk for breast cancer. Men can also get breast cancer, but this is rare. Not counting skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women of all combined major racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Among Hispanic women, it is the most common cause of death from cancer, and it is the second most common cause of death from cancer among white, black, Asian or Pacific Islander, and American Indian or Alaska Native women. In 2005, (the most recent year for which statistics are available), 186,467 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and 41,116 women died from the disease. Although more white women get breast cancer, more black women die from it.

How can I prevent it?

Scientists are studying how best to prevent breast cancer. Ways to help you lower your risk of getting breast cancer include the following: