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.
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.
- 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-exams. 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.
Recommended reading
Breast Cancer Glossary
This comprehensive glossary of breast cancer terminology includes helpful definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to X-ray.
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Some people have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than others. Find out what factors increase risk, including those we can and cannot change.
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 completing early-stage breast cancer treatment, here’s what to expect for follow-up exams, mammograms and other screening tests.
Preparing for a Lumpectomy or Mastectomy
Here’s how to prepare for a lumpectomy or mastectomy, including arrangements you should make before surgery, what to eat and items to bring to the hospital.
Menopause and Breast Cancer
Breast cancer treatment often causes premature menopause and can trigger certain side effects. Find out how to deal with menopause symptoms.
Metastatic Breast Cancer: Diagnosis and Treatment
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that originated in the breast and has spread to other parts of the body. Learn what may affect treatment options.
Navigating Breast Care
No matter what kind of breast care you need, you can find resources and guidance to support your breast health.
Support services
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.
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.