Basic Facts About Breast Health

What do I need to know about breast health and breast cancer prevention?

The following articles provide information on overall breast health, breast cancer screening and breast cancer prevention. If you have specific questions or concerns about your breast care, talk with your doctor. Together, you can gather more information and discuss the possibility of screening for breast cancer, as early detection may lead to successful treatment.

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Breast anatomy. Learn about the anatomy of the breasts, including their lobes, vessels and lymph nodes.
Breast cancer biology. Learn what causes breast cancer and how it spreads.
Breast cancer staging. Understand the different types and stages of breast cancer, as well as the factors that affect prognosis.
American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines. Find out what ACS recommends to help detect breast cancer early, when it's generally easier to treat.
Breast self-exam. Learn how to examine your breasts for early signs of breast cancer.
Mammograms. Find out about the difference between mammograms used for breast cancer screening and mammograms used for diagnosis and tracking suspicious areas over time.
Lifestyle changes for breast cancer prevention. See how simple lifestyle changes can improve your overall health and potentially lower your risk for breast cancer.
Nutrition for breast cancer prevention. Explore dietary recommendations to help you feel your best.

UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.

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Support Group

Cancer Support Groups

These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

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Recommended reading

Breast Cancer Glossary

Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

Self-Care and Recovery

Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

Follow-Up Care for Breast Cancer Patients

After patients have completed treatment for early stage breast cancer, one of the common questions is, "How should I best be monitored?" Learn more here.

Preparing for a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy

Learn how to prepare for a lumpectomy or mastectomy, including restrictions before surgery, what to bring to the hospital and more.

Menopause and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatment often causes women to enter menopause prematurely. Although each woman reacts to therapy individually, certain side effects are common.

Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment

Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other organ systems in the body. Learn more here.

Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

Different services and information are needed at different points in breast health care and breast cancer treatment. Learn more here.

Basic Facts About Breast Health

What do I need to know about breast health and breast cancer prevention?

Support services

Where to get care (1)

Recommended reading

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