What is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a cancer that affects the breast. It is possible for a male to have breast cancer, but males only account for less than 1% of all incidences. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women.

Common Breast Cancer Types

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): Cancer cells are only present the milk passage duct area, and have not invaded other tissues. This is considered Stage 0 breast cancer.

Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS): Cancer cells are started in the milk-producing glands, and have not invaded other tissues. This is considered Stage 0 breast cancer.

Infiltrating Ductal Carcinoma (IDC): This type of cancer accounts for 80% of all breast cancer cases. The cancer started in the milk passage duct, and has spread into the breast fatty tissues. This is also called Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.

Infiltrating Lobular Carcinoma (ILC): This type of cancer accounts for 10-15% of all breast cancer cases. The cancer started in the milk-producing glands, and has spread beyond the glands. This is also called Invasive Lobular Carcinoma.

There are several less common forms of breast cancer, and combined together they only account for 5-10% of all cancer cases.

Breast Cancer Survival Rate

The 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer in the US is 88.7%, according to the National Cancer Institute.

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