All breast cancers occur in the same structures of the breast.


The majority of breast cancers occur in the ducts of the breast, which connect the milk-producing glands to the nipple. However, some breast cancers occur in the lobules, the milk-producing glands of the breast.


All breast cancers are composed of the same type of abnormal cells.


There are many types of breast cancer, and each is composed of a different type of abnormal cell.


A woman has little or no risk of breast cancer if she has no family history of breast cancer.


More than 75% of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. Simply being female puts all women at risk.


Estrogens cause breast cancer.


Recent data have shown that a combination of estrogen and progesterone (HRT) taken by women after menopause may increase the risk of breast cancer if associated with prolonged usage.


Breast cancer does not occur in young women.


Breast cancer is more common in women older than 50, but it can and does occur in women of all ages.


Women with large breasts have a greater risk of having breast cancer.


Size has no relation to risk. It is, however, sometimes more difficult to examine larger breasts because there is more tissue to mask a lump.


Breast-feeding prevents breast cancer.


Breast-feeding has many benefits, but it reduces the risk of breast cancer very little, if at all.


Cancer cannot be found unless a lump is felt.


Mammography can detect early cancers before a lump can be felt. This makes mammography extremely important in the early detection of the disease.


Mammography is painful and can harm the breast.


During mammography, the breast is compressed. Although this can be somewhat uncomfortable, it is not harmful to the breast and is usually not painful. Scheduling the mammogram after the menstral period, when the breasts are less tender, will reduce the discomfort.


A breast cancer will always be painless.


Most early breast cancers do not hurt. However, some are associated with unusual sensations in the breast including soreness or burning.


Most lumps in the breast are cancer.


Most breast lumps are not cancer. However, it is important to obtain a definite diagnosis instead of assuming that a lump is harmless.


If the mammography comes back as "negative," there is nothing else to worry about.


Mammograms do not show 10% to 15% of all breast cancers. Any suspicious mass must be further investigated.


A breast lump must be surgically removed to find out if it is malignant.


Many breast cancers can be diagnosed without a surgical procedure.


Removal of the entire breast is safer than segmental mastectomy and radiation therapy.


Survival is similar for patients who have breast-conserving therapy and those who undergo total or modified radical mastectomy.


Women should not have immediate breast reconstruction. It is best to wait a couple of years to make sure the cancer does not recur.


With proper surgical removal of the cancer in the breast, there is no reason to delay reconstruction in most patients. In fact, immediate reconstruction is often preferable since only one surgery is required and the cosmetic results can be better.


Radiation therapy burns and destroys the skin of the breast.


The X-rays used to treat breast cancer can cause temporary redness of the skin much like sunburn. This can be soothed with an ointment and diminishes after the completion of the treatment.


Chemotherapy is given only to women with advanced breast cancer.


Chemotherapy is now recommended for most women with breast cancer. Even in women with very early disease, it usually improves survival and reduces the possibility of recurrence. It is sometimes given to reduce the size of the tumor prior to surgery.


Any ache or pain noted after treatment of breast cancer should be considered a possible sign of recurrence.


Your body continues to have common aches and pains, such as those caused by arthritis, regardless of the cancer. It is important to discuss specific new sensations with your doctor.