Breast cancer starts with the abnormal growth of cells in breast tissue and is the second most common cancer in women in the U.S. While it primarily affects women, anyone can develop it since everyone has some breast tissue.
Survival rates are improving, and deaths are decreasing thanks to increased awareness and research funding. Early detection through advanced screening significantly boosts the chances of a cure, and even when a cure isn't possible, various treatments can extend life. Ongoing research helps doctors find the most effective treatments.
Type of breast cancer
Invasive (infiltrading) ductal carcinoma (IDC)
This cancer starts in your milk ducts and spreads to nearby breast tissue. It’s the most common type of breast cancer in the United States.
Lobular breast cancer
This breast cancer starts in the milk-producing glands (lobules) in your breast and often spreads to nearby breast tissue. It’s the second most common breast cancer in the United States.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC)
This rare, fast-growing cancer looks like a rash on your breast. IBC is rare in the United States.
Paget’s disease of the breast
This rare cancer affects the skin of your nipple and may look like a rash. Less than 4% of all breast cancers are Paget’s disease of the breast.
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
This invasive cancer is aggressive and spreads more quickly than other breast cancers.
Like IDC, this breast cancer starts in your milk ducts. The difference is DCIS doesn’t spread beyond your milk ducts.