Breast Cancer

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) describes breast cancer as a type of cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk).  It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.  According to the National Cancer Institute, in the United States, breast cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in women.  Although the breast cancer diagnosis rate has increased, the overall breast cancer death rate has dropped steadily since the early 1990s. 

Studies compiled by the American Cancer Society have found the following risk factors for breast cancer: 

• Age
• Personal history of breast cancer
• Family history
• Certain breast changes
• Gene changes
• Reproductive and menstrual history
• Race 

Survivorship and the needed day to day disease management subsequent to an occurrence of breast cancer is an interest of Center investigators.  Please review the left-hand sidebar for more information.