Breast Cancer Basics
A calm, plain-language starting point for understanding what breast cancer is.
Starting where you are
If you are reading this soon after a diagnosis, take a breath. You do not have to understand everything today. This page offers a few steady footholds and the words to ask your own care team good questions.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast begin to grow in ways the body did not intend. There are many types, and no two experiences are alike. Your care team will explain the specific picture that applies to you.
Words you may hear
Medical language can feel like a second language. Here are a few terms in everyday words — your team is the right place to confirm what each means for you.
- Tumor: a lump or growth of cells. Not all lumps are cancer.
- Biopsy: taking a small sample of tissue to look at it closely.
- Stage: a way of describing size and whether the cancer has spread.
- Receptor status: whether cancer cells respond to certain hormones or proteins, which can guide treatment.
Key takeaways
- You do not have to learn everything at once.
- There are many types of breast cancer; your team will explain yours.
- Written questions and a trusted person at appointments help.
Sources
Continue learning
This information is provided for education and comfort only. It is not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose, treat, or interpret your test results. Always talk with your own healthcare team about decisions that affect your care. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.