The Who, What, Where,
When and Sometimes, Why.

About Breast Cancer

No matter who you are or where you live, breast cancer may touch your life. The About Breast Cancer section of the Susan G. Komen® website has the latest evidence-based information on breast cancer risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment, metastatic breast cancer, survivorship and more.

Facts and Statistics

Breast Cancer Facts and Statistics

Learn the basics of breast cancer, including warning signs, statistics and information for women and men with breast cancer.

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Risk Factors and Risk Reduction

Breast Cancer Risk and Risk Factors

Learn about breast cancer risk factors, genetic counseling and genetic testing, options for people at higher risk and healthy lifestyle choices.

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Screening and Early Detection

Breast Cancer Screening and Early Detection

Learn about breast cancer screening tests, when to get screened and what to do if you find a lump or change in your breast.

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Diagnosing Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Learn about breast biopsies and understanding your breast cancer diagnosis, including information on your pathology report and factors that guide treatment and affect survival.  

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Treating Breast Cancer

Early Breast Cancer and DCIS Treatment

Learn about the types of treatment for breast cancer, side effects, how to get high-quality care and other issues related to treatment, including the importance of clinical trials.

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Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic Breast Cancer

Learn about living with metastatic breast cancer and the different aspects of care, including treatment, managing side effects, clinical trials, quality of life and support.

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Survivorship Topics

Breast Cancer Survivorship Topics

Read about common concerns and issues related to emotional and physical health, quality of life and care of people diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s also information about complementary and integrative therapies.

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Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance and Insurance

Find resources to help with prescription drug costs, other medical costs and other expenses (such as transportation, lodging, child care and elder care). Also find information on different types of insurance.

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Support

Support

Learn about support groups and other types of social support.

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Tools and Resources

Tools and Resources

Find information about the Komen Patient Care Center as well as our interactive tools and educational resources in English and other languages.

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What’s New in Breast Cancer

Read about select advances in breast cancer research and treatment, including new potential investigational treatments and drugs, cutting-edge technologies, and possible new approaches to care that may improve patient outcomes.

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The content found within the Facts & Statistics, Signs & Symptoms, Risk Factors, Screening & Early Detection, Diagnosis, Treatment, Metastatic Breast Cancer, Survivorship Topics, Support, and Financial Assistance & Insurance sections were co-developed with Harvard Medical School faculty and Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center staff.

This content is regularly reviewed and reflects the current body of scientific knowledge on a topic. We look at the consistency of the research from large studies (done with people) reported in reputable, peer-reviewed journals. This content has been reviewed by an expert panel of researchers, practicing clinicians and patient advocates.

You can see the last updated date at the bottom of the left-hand side of each page.

Updated 05/29/25