All types of breast implants have an outer, silicone shell that can potentially develop a tear or hole called a rupture. A saline implant also has a valve that can fail, causing a leak. The chance that your implant will rupture or leak increases over time. Causes, signs, and symptoms of a ruptured breast implant…
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Everyone has some risk of developing breast cancer. In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. This means the average woman’s breast cancer risk is 12-13%. A man’s lifetime risk is much lower, 1 in 883. Being a woman and aging are…
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Adding the immunotherapy medicine Tecentriq (chemical name: atezolizumab) to chemotherapy before surgery for early-stage triple-negative breast cancer offered higher pathologic complete response (pCR) rates than chemotherapy alone, no matter the PD-L1 status of the cancer, according to results from the IMpassion031 study. The research was presented on Sept. 20, 2020, at the European Society for…
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With people spending more time indoors during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be hard to start or maintain a regular exercise routine. But according to Sami Mansfield, certified cancer exercise trainer and CrossFit Level 1 coach, staying active is important, particularly for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. “In the breast cancer world,…
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Every woman facing a mastectomy should be given the information she needs to make an informed decision about breast reconstruction. Ideally, your breast surgeon will discuss all breast reconstruction options with you and offer a referral to a plastic surgeon before the mastectomy surgery. But this doesn’t always happen. In the United States, not all…
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Every year, the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress brings together clinicians, researchers, and advocates to discuss the latest cancer study results. We’re proud to present our coverage below. Research News Adding Verzenio to Hormonal Therapy After Surgery for Early-Stage Breast Cancer With High Risk of Recurrence Reduces That Recurrence Risk Podcast Episodes Breast Cancer…
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The “new normal” caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to persist for the foreseeable future. Staying at home and not seeing friends and family for so long has been difficult for many of us, and over time, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Still, if you’re receiving treatment or recently…
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We’re proud to present our coverage of the latest study results from the leading cancer and breast cancer conferences in the world. 2020 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress Coverage 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium Coverage 2019 European Society for Medical Oncology Congress Coverage 2019 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Coverage 2018…
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Metastatic breast cancer (also called stage IV) is breast cancer that has spread to another part of the body, most commonly the liver, brain, bones, or lungs. Cancer cells can break away from the original tumor in the breast and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, which…
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Breast Cancer, COVID, and the Holiday Season: Advice for Safely Connecting With Loved Ones Social distancing has been hard on everyone, especially on people who are going through breast cancer treatment during the pandemic. With the holidays and colder weather approaching, you may be feeling tempted to celebrate indoors with people outside of your immediate…
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Eating a wide range of foods that include a variety of nutrients is the easiest way to have a healthy diet. On this page, you’ll learn why your body needs each of the following nutrients, and which foods you’ll find them in: Proteins Carbohydrates Fats Vitamins and minerals Water Proteins Proteins give your body amino…
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Like most things nowadays, wigs can be purchased from many online retailers. Buying a wig online can be a convenient way to search through all of your options and find exactly what you’re looking for. If you’ve decided to buy a wig online, you’ll want to make sure you’re buying your wig from a reputable…
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Having dense breasts means there is more fibrous tissue (or connective tissue) and glandular tissue (the type of tissue that produces milk) in your breasts than fatty tissue. That’s why dense breast tissue is also called “fibroglandular tissue.” Having dense breasts is not a medical condition itself, and it does not cause symptoms. You can’t…
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Life takes courage, so does getting a mammogram. Schedule yours today — it could save your life.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but serious condition in which the cells in the jawbone start to die. Osteonecrosis of the jaw can be caused by bisphosphonates, medicines used to strengthen bones: Actonel (chemical name: risedronate) Aredia (chemical name: pamidronate disodium) Bonefos (chemical name: clodronate) Boniva (chemical name: ibandronate) Fosamax (chemical name: alendronate…
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Breast cancer screening tests, including mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs, were delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to two studies. The research was presented on July 22, 2020, as part of the American Association of Cancer Research Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer. These abstracts are not yet available to the public: Patient-Reported Impact…
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Women diagnosed with breast cancer before menopause were more likely to die from breast cancer if they were previously diagnosed with a childhood or young adult cancer that was treated with radiation therapy, according to a study. The research was published online on Aug. 26, 2020, by the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. Read…
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Breastcancer.org is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by breast oncologist Marisa C. Weiss, M.D. and born out of her conviction that people with breast cancer need more information and support than a doctor’s visit can provide. We are the leading patient-focused resource for breast health and breast cancer information and support. We engage, educate,…
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The Breastcancer.org logo is provided here for your convenience. The logos provided are for non-commercial media use only. If you are interested in using our logos for print and Web applications, have any questions concerning logo use or have general questions, please contact Breastcancer.org at press@breastcancer.org. Color EPS (1 MB) Black and White EPS (1…
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People age 18 to 39 who are diagnosed with cancers typically seen in older adults, such as breast and prostate cancer, have a higher-than-expected risk of having a genetic mutation linked to cancer and might therefore benefit from genetic testing, according to a study. The research is part of the program of the American Association…
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Breastcancer.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing the most reliable, complete, and up-to-date information about breast cancer. Our mission is to help people make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast health and breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives. Breastcancer.org: Helps over 19 million people…
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The early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic caused 44% of breast cancer survivors to have a delay in care, according to an online survey. The research was published online on Aug. 9, 2020, by the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment. Read ”Patient-reported treatment delays in breast cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic.” COVID-19 and…
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It’s important to find a trusted confidant with whom you can discuss your most intense fears and concerns as well as your hopes. You may find that your spouse, life partner, or other relative or friend can play this role. If they cannot, consider going outside your usual circle of family and friends to find…
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As a nonprofit organization, Breastcancer.org depends on the generous contributions of individuals, foundations, and corporations. So many people and groups give of their time, money, and effort to make the wonderful programs at Breastcancer.org possible. We thank everyone who has contributed to our mission and programs and to those who continue to support our fantastic…
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Far fewer cases of breast and five other cancers are being diagnosed in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study. The research was published online on Aug. 4, 2020, by JAMA Network Open. Read “Changes in the Number of US Patients With Newly Identified Cancer Before and During the Coronavirus Disease…
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Since 2000, Breastcancer.org has been a source of comfort, knowledge, and support for more than 153 million people affected by breast cancer around the world. Every $1 we raise helps 3 people get the care they need now to make the best decisions to protect their precious lives. Please consider supporting those we serve in…
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About Breastcancer.org We are a nonprofit organization founded by breast oncologist Marisa C. Weiss, M.D., and born out of her conviction that people with breast cancer need more information and support than a doctor’s visit can provide. We are the leading patient-focused resource for breast health and breast cancer information and support. We engage, educate,…
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Being a member of the Breastcancer.org team provides you with the opportunity to be a part of a very special group of people doing extraordinary work. As a member of our team, you will play an important role in delivering vital information to millions worldwide. Our work is serious, and our staff is passionate and…
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Recommendations from a European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) expert panel say doctors should not stop or delay any type of cancer treatment that might affect a person’s overall survival. The recommendations also say that all people diagnosed with cancer are not automatically at high risk for coronavirus infection or for serious complications if they…
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Expanded Medicaid coverage through the Affordable Care Act didn’t seem to reduce the disparity in breast cancer death rates between Black and white women, according to a study. The research was published online on July 28, 2020, by the journal JCO Global Oncology. Read the abstract of “Evaluating the Effect of Medicaid Expansion on Black/White…
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Pictures of Diagnosis See pictures of MRIs, Mammograms, Ultrasounds, and PET Scans. Pictures of Types of Breast Cancer See pictures of Non–Invasive and Invasive tumors, and more. Pictures of Treatment See pictures of Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Chemotherapy, and more. Pictures of Breast Reconstruction See pictures of TRAM Flap, Tissue Expanders, Latissimus Dorsi Flap Reconstruction, and…
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3 spheres measuring 1 cm, 3 cm, 5 cm. More on the Stages of Breast Cancer.   <<Back to Pictures of Diagnosis

The experimental medicine veliparib improved progression-free survival for people with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer that was either: hormone-receptor-positive and HER2-negative triple-negative The research is part of the virtual program of the European Society of Medical Oncology Breast Cancer Meeting 2020. Read the abstract of “Veliparib plus…
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The coronavirus has affected our lives in ways we never imagined. It’s disrupted breast cancer treatment plans, delayed surgeries, changed how doctors see their patients, and so much more. What has that experience taught us, and how can it help us prepare for the future? Breastcancer.org hosted a virtual town hall to hear from medical…
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected just about every aspect of life, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for breast cancer. People who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and people who are at high risk for breast cancer have found themselves in a uniquely difficult and sometimes frightening position since the coronavirus crisis began. Many…
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People age 70 and older diagnosed with certain estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancers and other health problems who were treated with chemotherapy after breast cancer surgery had better survival than people who weren’t treated with chemotherapy, according to a study. Still, other factors, including how well a person functions and quality of life, need to be considered…
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The risk of breast cancer coming back (recurrence) and death due to breast cancer increased in people who had a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure after being treated for early-stage breast cancer, according to a study. The research was published in the July 13, 2020, issue of Nature Medicine. Read the abstract of “Myocardial…
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Mouth and throat sores, also called mucositis, look like ulcers and can be red and swollen. Pain from these sores can affect your ability to eat, drink, chew, swallow, and talk. If your immune system is suppressed, you may be more likely to get an oral yeast infection. Oral yeast infections can cause mouth and throat…
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A study suggests that there are differences in the characteristics of cancers linked to a BRCA1 mutation compared to those of cancers linked to a BRCA2 mutation in men. The research was published online on July 2, 2020, by the journal JAMA Oncology. Read the abstract of “Characterization of the Cancer Spectrum in Men With…
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If you find that your wig can get hot and uncomfortable during the summer months, you’re not alone. Wig discomfort in warm weather is a common complaint among wig wearers. If keeping your hair loss private isn’t as important to you during the summer, you can always opt for a cooler alternative to a wig…
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Medications are often a major expense for people with cancer. First, make sure you take a look at your insurance plan’s prescription coverage to see what’s covered and what’s not — and how much you can expect to pay out of pocket. If you’re having trouble, ask for help from your insurance plan or a…
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Perjeta (chemical name: pertuzumab) used in combination with Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab), another targeted therapy medicine, and Taxotere (chemical name: docetaxel), a type of chemotherapy, to treat HER2-positive, metastatic breast cancer that hasn’t been treated with either Herceptin or chemotherapy yet. Perjeta was called Omnitarg in earlier studies. Perjeta also is approved: to be used…
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On Feb. 28, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved an injectable form of Herceptin (chemical name: trastuzumab) called Herceptin Hylecta (chemical name: trastuzumab and hyaluronidase-oysk) to treat people diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. The approval is based on results from the HannaH trial and the SafeHER studies showing that Herceptin Hylecta is…
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