Breast Cancer

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Many women are fearful of breast cancer. One reason is that breast cancer is personal. Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women during their lives, and many of us know someone — a mother, sister, friend — who has had it. Another reason is that breast cancer is a real threat to women. It is the second leading cancer killer of women in the United States, next to lung cancer. It also can affect our sexual health, overall health, and emotional health. The good news is that most women who get breast cancer survive it. Thanks to screening, breast cancer often can be found early, when it’s easiest to treat. In fact, many women are even cured of the disease.

Women who want to learn more about breast cancer can start here. This section of womenshealth.gov gives an overview of breast cancer and includes links to many resources providing detailed information.

• Breast Basics
• About Breast Cancer
• Risk Factors and Prevention
• Screening and Diagnosis
• If You Have Breast Cancer
• Programs

Content last updated September 28, 2009.