What is breast cancer?

Breast Cancer Basics
Cancer starts when cells grown out of control. When this happens in the breast it means there may be breast cancer. Between 50 to 75% of breast cancers begin in the ducts that carry milk and about 5 to 15% begin in the glands that make milk. Over time, cancer cells can invade nearby healthy breast tissue and make their way into the underarm lymph nodes – small organs that filter out foreign substances in the body. If cancer cells get into the lymph nodes, they then have a pathway into other parts of the body. 

Reduce Your Risk 
Some of the factors associated with breast cancer — being a woman, your age, and your genetics, for example — can’t be changed. Other factors — being overweight, lack of exercise, smoking cigarettes, and eating unhealthy food — can be changed by making choices. By choosing the healthiest lifestyle options possible, you can empower yourself and make sure your breast cancer risk is as low as possible.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer and need support, talk with the Employee Assistance Program. It’s free to you and any member of your family - click here for information.