Breast cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells in the breast grow out of control. There are different types of breast cancer. The type of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast turn into cancer.
n Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death from cancer in American women.
n Breast cancer may also occur in men. It makes up less than 1 percent of all cases of breast cancer.
n Tests are used to screen different types of cancer when a person does not have symptoms.
n Mammography is the most common screening test for breast cancer. Regular mammograms can find breast cancer early, sometimes up to 3 years before it can be felt.
n Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to screen women who have a high risk of breast cancer.
n New lump in the breast or underarm (armpit).
n Thickening or swelling of part of the breast.
n Irritation or dimpling of breast skin.
n Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast.
n Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area.
n Nipples discharge other than breast milk, including blood.
n Any change in the size or shape of the breast.
n Pain in any area of the breast.
Keep in mind that these symptoms can happen with other conditions that are not cancer. If you have any signs or symptoms, be sure to see your doctor right away.
For more information about breast cancer awareness, go to cancer.gov/types/breast and cdc.gov/breast-cancer/about/index.html.
— Benefits and Wellness,Human Resources, 10-2-25
