October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Join the seniors of Le Lycée National in spreading awareness,
breaking myths, and empowering our community with knowledge.
Understanding the basics is the first step toward prevention and early detection.
Breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control. It occurs when the DNA in breast cells mutates, causing them to divide and multiply abnormally. These abnormal cells accumulate and form a tumor that can sometimes be felt as a lump. If left untreated, cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
Breast cancer is not a single disease, it is a group of diseases. The type of breast cancer depends on which cells in the breast become cancerous. It can begin in different parts of the breast: the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple), the lobules (glands that produce milk), or, less commonly, other tissues.
A non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells are found in the lining of the breast milk duct. It is the earliest form of breast cancer and is highly treatable. DCIS has not spread outside the duct into the surrounding breast tissue.
The most common type, accounting for about 70–80% of all breast cancers. It starts in the milk ducts and breaks through the duct wall to invade surrounding breast tissue. It can spread to lymph nodes and other organs.
The second most common type, making up about 10–15% of cases. It begins in the milk-producing lobules and can spread to nearby tissues. ILC is often harder to detect on mammograms because it grows in a line rather than forming a distinct lump.
A rare and aggressive form (1–5% of cases). Cancer cells block lymph vessels in the breast skin, causing the breast to look swollen, red, and inflamed. It often does not produce a distinct lump and can be mistaken for an infection.
Accounts for about 10–15% of breast cancers. The cancer cells lack estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein, making it harder to treat with hormone therapy. It tends to grow and spread faster than other types.
A rare form that starts in the breast ducts and spreads to the nipple and areola. It causes crusting, scaling, and redness of the nipple skin. It is almost always associated with either DCIS or invasive breast cancer underneath.
Breast cancer can also occur in men. While rare (about 1% of all breast cancers), men have breast tissue too and can develop the disease. Male breast cancer is most common in men over 60, and the symptoms and treatment are similar to those in women.
Knowing what to look for can save your life — or the life of someone you love.
Many breast cancers are found through screening before symptoms appear. However, some breast cancers are discovered when a woman (or man) notices changes in the breast. It's important to know how your breasts normally look and feel so you can identify any changes early.
The most common symptom. A painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but some are tender, soft, or rounded. Any new lump or mass should be checked by a doctor.
Swelling of all or part of the breast, even if no lump is felt. Unexplained change in the size or shape of one breast compared to the other.
Dimpling (like an orange peel texture), puckering, redness, thickening, or scaliness of the breast skin. The skin may feel warm to the touch.
Nipple turning inward (retraction or inversion), flattening, or pointing in a new direction. Crusting, scaling, or flaking of the nipple skin.
Any unexpected fluid from the nipple — especially if it is bloody, clear, or occurs without squeezing. While most discharge is not cancer, it should always be evaluated.
Persistent pain in the breast or armpit that doesn't go away with your menstrual cycle. While most breast pain is not cancer, ongoing or unexplained pain should be checked.
Swelling or a lump under the arm (armpit) or around the collarbone. This can indicate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes even before the breast tumor is large enough to be felt.
If the breast looks red, purple, or bruised (or feels warm) it could be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer, which requires urgent evaluation.
If you notice any of the above changes, don't wait. Most breast changes are not cancer, but only a medical professional can determine that. Early detection saves lives - the earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances of successful treatment.
A self-exam is a simple way to check your breasts for any changes. It's recommended to do one once a month, ideally a few days after your period ends when breasts are least tender.
With your arms at your sides, look at your breasts. Check for any changes in size, shape, skin texture, or nipple position. Repeat with arms raised overhead and then with hands on hips pressing firmly.
Using the pads of your three middle fingers, press on every part of one breast using small circular motions. Use light, medium, and firm pressure. Cover the entire breast from collarbone to the top of the abdomen, and from the armpit to the cleavage. Repeat on the other breast.
Place a pillow under your right shoulder and your right arm behind your head. Using your left hand, feel your right breast with the same circular motion and varying pressure. Switch sides and repeat.
Gently squeeze each nipple and check for any discharge (fluid). Note any changes in nipple direction, shape, or skin texture.
Some risk factors can't be changed, but many can be managed through healthy choices.
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will get breast cancer — and some people who develop it have no known risk factors at all. Understanding your risk helps you make informed decisions about screening and prevention.
The risk of breast cancer increases as you get older. Most breast cancers are diagnosed in women over 50. About 2 out of 3 invasive breast cancers are found in women aged 55 or older.
Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes dramatically increase breast cancer risk — up to 72% lifetime risk for BRCA1 carriers and 69% for BRCA2. Other gene mutations (PALB2, TP53, ATM, CHEK2) also elevate risk.
Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer roughly doubles your risk. Having two first-degree relatives triples it. However, most women (about 85%) who get breast cancer have no family history.
Starting periods before age 12 or going through menopause after age 55 increases exposure to estrogen and progesterone. Women who have never had children or had their first child after age 30 also have slightly higher risk.
A personal history of breast cancer, DCIS, LCIS, or certain non-cancerous breast diseases (such as atypical hyperplasia) increases the risk of developing breast cancer.
Women who had radiation therapy to the chest area (for example, to treat Hodgkin lymphoma) before age 30 have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life.
Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause, increases breast cancer risk. Fat tissue produces estrogen, and higher estrogen levels are linked to increased risk. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your risk.
Regular exercise (at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week) has been shown to lower breast cancer risk by 10–20%. Exercise helps regulate hormones, boost the immune system, and maintain a healthy weight.
Even moderate drinking increases risk. Women who have 2–3 drinks per day have about a 20% higher risk compared to non-drinkers. The more alcohol consumed, the greater the risk.
Research has linked smoking — especially long-term, heavy smoking that begins at a young age — to a higher risk of breast cancer. Quitting smoking reduces this risk over time.
Combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) using estrogen and progesterone after menopause can increase breast cancer risk. Some forms of hormonal birth control may also slightly increase risk. Talk to your doctor about your personal risk.
Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more (across all children) is associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. It is believed to limit the total number of menstrual cycles and thus reduce lifetime estrogen exposure.
When breast cancer is detected early, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Screening is your best defense.
A mammogram is a low-dose X-ray image of the breast. It is the most effective screening tool for detecting breast cancer early, often years before physical symptoms develop.
Mammograms can detect tumors that are too small to feel and can also find DCIS (abnormal cells in the duct lining that may become invasive cancer).
A clinical breast exam is a physical examination performed by a healthcare provider. The provider carefully feels (palpates) the breasts and underarm area for lumps, thickening, or other changes.
While a CBE alone cannot replace a mammogram, it can detect cancers that mammograms might miss and provides an opportunity to discuss risk factors with your doctor.
Breast MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the breast. It is not used as a routine screening tool for average-risk women because it can lead to more false positives.
If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, genetic counseling and testing for BRCA1, BRCA2, and other mutations can help assess your risk.
| Age Group | Self-Exam | Clinical Exam | Mammogram | MRI (High Risk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–39 | Monthly | Every 1–3 years | Not routine | If recommended |
| 40–44 | Monthly | Yearly | Optional yearly | If recommended |
| 45–54 | Monthly | Yearly | Yearly | If recommended |
| 55+ | Monthly | Yearly | Every 1–2 years | If recommended |
Treatment depends on the type, stage, and biology of the cancer. Many patients receive a combination of treatments.
Breast cancer treatment is highly personalized. Your doctor will consider the type of cancer, its stage (how much it has spread), the grade (how aggressive the cells look), the presence of hormone receptors or HER2 protein, your overall health, and your personal preferences. Common treatments include:
Surgery is usually the first treatment for breast cancer. The goal is to remove the cancer from the breast.
Uses high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is typically used after lumpectomy and sometimes after mastectomy.
Common side effects include fatigue, skin redness (like a sunburn), and swelling. These usually go away after treatment ends.
Uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It may be given before surgery (neoadjuvant — to shrink the tumor), after surgery (adjuvant — to kill remaining cells), or for advanced cancer.
Used for cancers that are hormone receptor-positive (ER+ or PR+), meaning the cancer cells grow in response to estrogen or progesterone. Hormone therapy blocks or lowers these hormones.
Drugs that target specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as the HER2 protein, that allow them to grow and spread.
Targeted therapies generally have fewer side effects than chemotherapy because they specifically target cancer cells rather than all rapidly dividing cells.
Helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Currently used primarily for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Research in immunotherapy for breast cancer is ongoing, and new treatments are continually being developed and tested in clinical trials.
Staging describes how far the cancer has spread. It is a key factor in determining treatment.
| Stage | Description | 5-Year Survival Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 0 | Non-invasive (DCIS). Cancer cells are confined to the duct and have not invaded nearby tissue. | ~100% |
| Stage I | Small tumor (up to 2 cm) that has not spread to lymph nodes, or only tiny amounts are found in sentinel nodes. | ~99% |
| Stage II | Tumor is 2–5 cm and/or has spread to a few nearby lymph nodes. | ~93% |
| Stage III | Larger tumor and/or more extensive lymph node involvement. Cancer has not spread to distant organs. | ~72% |
| Stage IV | Cancer has spread (metastasized) to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. | ~28% |
Survival rates are averages based on large groups of people and may not predict what will happen in any individual case. Advances in treatment continue to improve outcomes.
A diagnosis is not the end of the story. Support, self-care, and community make a powerful difference.
A breast cancer diagnosis can trigger fear, anxiety, depression, anger, and grief. These are all normal responses. It's okay to not be okay.
Eating well during and after treatment supports your body's healing and can help manage side effects.
Physical activity has been shown to reduce fatigue, improve mood, lower the risk of recurrence, and improve overall quality of life.
You don't have to face this alone. Building a strong support network is essential.
Treatment can change how you look and feel about your body. Hair loss, scars, and changes from surgery can be difficult.
Treatment side effects vary by person and type of treatment. Common ones include:
Don't let misinformation put you or your loved ones at risk. Here are the facts.
Fact: Men can get breast cancer too. While it's rare — about 1% of all breast cancers — men have breast tissue and can develop the disease. In 2023, an estimated 2,800 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in the U.S. alone. Men should also report any breast changes to a doctor.
Fact: The vast majority of breast lumps are not cancerous. About 80% of lumps are caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas, or fibrocystic changes. However, every lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out cancer.
Fact: There is no scientific evidence that wearing any type of bra — including underwire bras — causes or increases the risk of breast cancer. This myth has been thoroughly debunked by multiple studies. Wear whatever bra is comfortable for you.
Fact: There is no conclusive evidence linking antiperspirants or deodorants to breast cancer. The claim was based on the idea that chemicals could be absorbed through the skin and affect breast cells, but large-scale studies have not found this link.
Fact: While the risk increases with age, breast cancer can affect women (and men) at any age. About 11% of new cases are diagnosed in women under 45. Young women tend to be diagnosed at later stages because they may not be screened regularly and may dismiss symptoms.
Fact: About 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease. While having a family history increases risk, most people diagnosed have no family connection. Everyone should be aware of the signs and follow recommended screening guidelines.
Fact: Mammograms use very low levels of radiation and do not cause cancer to spread. The compression used during a mammogram may be uncomfortable, but it does not damage breast tissue or cause cancer cells to spread. The benefits of early detection far outweigh the minimal risks.
Fact: All cells, healthy and cancerous, use glucose (sugar) for energy. There is no evidence that eating sugar directly makes cancer grow faster. However, a high-sugar diet can lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for breast cancer. A balanced diet is always recommended.
Fact: This is far from the truth. When detected early (Stage 0 or I), the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%. Even for later stages, treatments have improved dramatically. There are currently more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. Early detection and modern treatment save lives every day.
Fact: Standard silicone or saline breast implants do not increase the risk of breast cancer. However, some textured implants have been linked to a very rare type of lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune system. If you have implants, continue regular screenings.
You don't need to be a doctor to make a difference. Every action counts.
Share this website, talk to your friends and family, post on social media. The more people who know the signs and the importance of screening, the more lives can be saved.
If someone you know has been diagnosed with breast cancer, your support can mean the world.
Join walks, runs, and fundraising events in your community. These events raise money for research and support services while building solidarity.
Financial contributions support research, patient care, and education programs. Even small amounts add up.
The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Wearing pink, especially during October, shows support and starts conversations.
Knowledge is the most powerful tool against cancer. Keep learning and keep sharing.
Made with 💗 by the seniors of Le Lycée National.
This website was created by the senior class of Le Lycée National as part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month initiative in October 2026. We believe that knowledge saves lives, and we wanted to create a resource that our community — and anyone else who finds it — can use to learn about breast cancer.
Our goal is simple: to make sure that everyone around us understands the signs, knows the importance of early detection, and feels empowered to take action. Whether that's doing a self-exam, supporting a loved one, or simply sharing this page.
Breast cancer affects millions of people worldwide, but with awareness, early detection, and access to care, survival rates continue to improve. We hope this website serves as a small but meaningful step toward a world where no one faces breast cancer alone or uninformed.
Share this website, start a conversation, and help spread the word. Every person you inform is a life you might save.