The first sign of breast cancer often is a breast lump or an abnormal mammogram. Breast cancer stages range from early, curable breast cancer to metastatic breast cancer, with a variety of breast cancer treatments.

Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm that persists through the menstrual cycle
• A mass or lump, which may feel as small as a pea
• A change in the size, shape, or contour of the breast
• A blood-stained or clear fluid discharge from the nipple
• A change in the feel or appearance of the skin on the breast or nipple (dimpled, puckered, scaly, or inflamed)
• Redness of the skin on the breast or nipple
• An area that is distinctly different from any other area on either breast
• A marble-like hardened area under the skin

Treatment & Care

Breast cancer treatments have come a long way in the past few generations. Get an overview of treatment options for today’s breast cancer patients.

The Right Options for You

With so many choices, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can about the ones that can help you the most.

Facts About Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells and prevent them from returning.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy involves delivering precise amounts of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy

Hormone therapy for breast cancer, also called endocrine therapy, prevents cancer cells from growing by either blocking or removing the hormones.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy, also called biologic therapy, uses the body's immune system or hormonal system to fight breast cancer cells.

Treatment by Stage

If you know the stage of your breast cancer, you can use this quick guide to see what kinds of treatments might help.

Potential Side Effects

Breast cancer treatments are powerful medicines and can have side effects. Here are some of the most common ones.

Recurrent Breast Cancer

Research shows breast cancer is more likely to come back after treatment under the following circumstances.