---
title: About breast cancer
url: https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer
updated: 2026-05-21T14:46:28Z
---
[Back to Home](https://breastcancernow.org/)

1. [Home](https://breastcancernow.org/)

#
                    About breast cancer

Read our trusted breast cancer information on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and life after treatment. It's written by experts. And it's designed to help you understand what's happening every step of the way.

![BCN_THESHOW22_KEMI_098.jpg](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/pink-hero-large/assets/11768)

## Information you can trust

- ###
                    [Signs and symptoms](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/awareness/signs-and-symptoms-of-breast-cancer)

Learn the signs and symptoms and how to check your breasts or chest.
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                    [Risk factors and causes](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/awareness/breast-cancer-risk-factors-and-causes?e=yr4dPc)

Learn about breast cancer risk factors and how you can reduce your risk.
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                    [Primary breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer)

Find out about the different types of primary breast cancer and how it's diagnosed.
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                    [Metastatic (secondary) breast cancer](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/secondary-breast-cancer)

If breast cancer spreads to another part of the body, it's called metastatic or secondary.
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                    [Screening, tests and scans](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/screening-tests-and-scans)

Find out about the different tests and scans used to diagnose breast cancer.
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                    [Diagnosis](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/diagnosis)

Learn how to understand and come to terms with a breast cancer diagnosis.
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                    [Treatment](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/treatment)

Find out about treatments for breast cancer and the side effects they can cause.
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                    [Life after treatment](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/life-after-treatment)

All about follow-up appointments, signs of breast cancer returning and readjusting after treatment.

##
We're here

- ![A group of people, some in pink BCN t-shirts, facilitating, sat in a circle holding moving forward leaflets, talking to one another.](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/26716)

###
                        [Support and information](https://breastcancernow.org/all-services)

Get help to live well. Or meet people who just get it. Explore our groups, courses, webinars and one‑to‑one support now.
- ![_BCN9883_SLM CHRIS MIRIAM.JPG](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/15053)

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                        [Supporting someone](https://breastcancernow.org/about-breast-cancer/primary-breast-cancer/supporting-someone)

It can be hard to know how to help your partner, family member or friend after a breast cancer diagnosis. Here’s how you can support them.

![Kerry, a nurse with dark brown hair in blue scrubs, posing for portraits at the hospital, in conversation with a patient.](https://d24otazn342w10.cloudfront.net/externalApps/06f289b5-a938-410c-a4c1-ec23427f38f5/conversion/card/assets/16909)

### Information leaflets

Our free leaflets have helped thousands of people understand more about breast cancer and their treatment options. Download or order here.

[View leaflets and booklets](https://breastcancernow.org/download-and-order-publications)