Breast Cancer: Introduction

Breast cancer ranks as one of the leading cancer types in the number of new cases diagnosed and is second only to lung cancer as the the most prevalent cause of cancer death in women. In 2010 the American Cancer Society estimates approximately 209,060 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and 40,230 deaths due to breast cancer will occur in the United States. It is important to note that men also develop breast cancer. Approximately 390 of the estimated deaths due to breast cancer in 2010 will be men.⁽¹⁾

Visit the lymphedema section to learn about a common side-effect of the surgeries used to treat breast cancer.

Click on the image below to open COMPASS: Breast Cancer Edition, an interactive time line of breast cancer containing videos, animations and links  to more information about breast cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.

You can also view 6 video documentaries describing breast cancer detection and diagnosis methods and one possible side-effect (lymphedema). View the Breast Cancer videos.

Young women DO get cancer. Watch an interview with Robin Shoulla, a breast cancer survivor diagnosed when she was 17 years old.

For more information about breast cancer visit the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.

1. Cancer Facts and Figures 2010. American Cancer Society. [http://www.cancerquest.org/multimedia/pdf/facts&figures2010.pdf]