About Cancer

Cancer Is Cells Growing Out of Control

There are many types of cancer. With all cancers, affected cells in the body change and grow out of control. Usually, the multiplying cancer cells form a lump called a tumor. Cancerous tumors are also called malignant tumors. Not all tumors are cancerous. Those that are not are called benign. Cells from benign tumors do not spread to other parts of the body.

Sometimes malignant tumor cells can break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other parts of the body. This process is called metastasis (pronounced muh-tass-tuh-sis).

Cancer is usually named after the part of the body where it first develops. Breast cancer begins in the breast tissue. If it spreads to the lungs, for example, it is still breast cancer, not lung cancer.
Recurrence¹

Local recurrence is when breast cancer returns to the breast (after lumpectomy), and/or the chest area and scar (after mastectomy), but no other area of the body.

Regional recurrence is when breast cancer returns to one or more of the axillary lymph nodes, and/or to the lymph nodes in the center of the chest and elsewhere near the chest. Regional recurrence can also include a combination of a local recurrence and a recurrence in the chest-area lymph nodes.

Systemic recurrence is when breast cancer has traveled (or metastasized) to one or more locations outside of the breast or chest area. This is known as advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

Breast Cancer

Monthly Breast Self-Exam

5 Steps to Your Monthly Breast Self-Exam

1..  In the shower

Raise your right arm. Use the finger pads of your left hand to touch every part of your right breast. Feel gently for any lumps or changes under the skin. Then raise your left arm and use your right hand to examine your left breast.

2..  Before a mirror

Place your arms at your sides. Check both breasts for anything unusual �?discharge, puckering, dimpling, or changes in skin texture. Clasp your hands behind your head and look carefully for any changes in the shape or contour of your breasts. Gently squeeze both nipples and look for discharge.

3..  Lying down

Lie flat on your back, with your left arm over your head and a pillow under your left shoulder. Put your left hand behind your head. Use your right hand to begin touching your left breast gently but firmly.

4..  Starting in your armpit and move down or just below your breast. Now move your finders and move up again. Continue this up-and-down pattern until you have covered the area.

5..  Rest your arm on a firm surface and use the same up-and-down motion to examine the area between the breast and the underarm, and the underarm itself.

This self-exam is not a substitute for periodic examinations by a qualified physician.

Report any lumps or changes to your physician.