Understanding Breast Cancer

Making sense of the complex world of breast cancer can be overwhelming. Whether you are facing a personal diagnosis or that of a friend or loved one, there are many steps you can take to help you better understand the many faces of this disease. Learn about your personal risk and ways to take an active role in your breast health. Read about being a survivor, or offering your support to a breast cancer survivor. Find local resources available to assist you. Becoming informed and empowered is the first step in battling this disease.

Early detection is our best weapon in the fight against breast cancer. Susan G. Komen recommends practicing Breast Self Awareness by focusing on the four additional risk factors that may impact women, listed below:

• Know your risk. Knowing your risks regarding family health history and personal risk of breast cancer
• Get Screened. The importance of screening and the screening guidelines based on age
• Know what is normal for you. Knowing what is normal for your body and what isn’t
• Make healthy lifestyle choices. Research shows making healthy lifestyle choices can lower your risk

 Click here to use our interactive tutorial to better understand the development of breast cancer, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment options.