A diagnosis of breast cancer can be stressful, and understanding what type of cancer, whether it's "non-invasive" or "invasive" and so forth, can be even more trying. This article discusses how cancer develops and provides summaries of common and uncommon types of breast cancer, including lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), infiltrating lobular carcinoma (ILC), infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC), tubular carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, Paget's disease of the nipple, and more.

Breast size, shape and breast tissue density is different for every woman. Achieving an optimal mammogram image requires skill and careful attention to several factors by the mammography technologist and radiologist. This articles discusses the mammography process and provides eight tips to ensure an optimal mammogram.

Recent results of an ongoing study show that the drug Femara (generic name letrozole) may be more effective at treating early-stage breast cancer in post-menopausal women than the standard drug, tamoxifen (brand name, Nolvadex). According the study of more than 8,000 participants, post-menopausal women treated with Femara had a 19% reduced risk of relapsing and a 27% reduced risk that breast cancer would spread to other body organs, compared with those treated with tamoxifen. The study is being conducted by researchers of the International Breast Cancer Study Group, a non-profit group, in 27 countries. Financial support for the study was provided by Novartis, the manufacturer of Femara.

Researchers have long known that the drug tamoxifen (brand name, Nolvadex) can help treat or prevent breast cancer in some women. However, according to a new study, tamoxifen may also significantly reduce the risk of heart attack or heart stress symptoms such as angina (severe chest pain). Past studies have shown that tamoxifen may reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol. According to the new study, published in the journal Cancer, heart benefits typically occur within two years of tamoxifen use and remain for the duration of treatment.