Read a detailed description of breast cancer.

Breast cancer stages run from 0 to 4, noting the size and spread of the tumors. Get definitions of all stages of breast cancer.

Learn about the healthy, normal breast and breast anatomy in this brief article.

It’s often hard to say exactly what causes a given person’s cancer. But some factors are associated with breast cancer. Read about them here.

Nearly one in eight U.S. women develops breast cancer some time in her life. Doctors don’t always know why breast cancer starts, but some risk factors stand out. Read an overview.

Learn about the genetic risk factors for breast cancer.

Checking for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations may help screen for breast cancer. But the results don’t mean breast cancer is certain or impossible. Get the facts.

Breast cancer affects all women. But it may differ by racial and ethnic group. For instance, breast cancer is found more often in white women but kills more black women. Read more.

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to a higher breast cancer risk. Get the facts on hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer.

Read about the debate on what role, if any, birth control pills may play in breast cancer risk.

Drinking alcohol regularly may raise a woman’s risk of breast cancer. Read what researchers say about the topic.

Doctors can’t make any promises, but some habits -- like exercise and a healthy diet -- may cut your risk of breast cancer. Read more about breast cancer prevention.

The drug tamoxifen may be used to help prevent breast cancer in women at high risk of breast cancer. This article and drawing explains tamoxifen’s use for breast cancer prevention.

Read why the osteoporosis drug Evista may help cut breast cancer risk in high-risk postmenopausal women.

Preventive mastectomy is the surgical removal of the breasts to avoid breast cancer in high-risk women. Learn about it here.