Primary breast cancer

Primary breast cancer is breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes under the arm.

1. What is primary breast cancer?

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to divide and grow in an unusual and uncontrolled way.

Primary breast cancer is breast cancer that has not spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes under the arm.

2. Types of primary breast cancer

Types of breast cancer

There are different types of breast cancer. Breast cancers can be invasive or non-invasive. Find out more.

3. Diagnosis

Breast cancer in men

Men can get breast cancer. Find out more about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in men.

4. Supporting someone with breast cancer

Supporting someone

If a friend or family member has been diagnosed with breast cancer, there are a number of things you can do to support them.

Trusted information creator. Patient Information Forum

Quality Assurance

Last reviewed in January 2025. The next planned review begins in January 2026.

Support for you

  • Call our free helpline

    If you have any concerns about breast cancer, or just want to talk, our specialist nurses are here for you.

    Lines open: Monday to Friday - 9am to 4pm; Saturday - 9am to 1pm

  • Explore ways to talk to our nurses

    It can be difficult to talk to someone in person about breast cancer concerns. Explore other ways you can ask a question.

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Support for you

Find out the support we offer for people affected by breast cancer. 

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