Breast cancer

Learn about breast cancer, screening and how to reduce your risk.

About breast cancer

Breast cancer starts as changes in the cells of the breast. A group of cancer cells can grow into a tumour and invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.

The breast with the following parts labelled: collarbone, pectoral muscle, connective tissue, fatty tissue, ribs, areola, nipple, duct, lobules and skin. Image courtesy of Canadian Cancer Society.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death among New Brunswick women. Approximately 625 new cases of breast cancer are diagnosed per year and around 125 people die from the disease. Regular breast cancer screening can detect tumours at an earlier stage and reduce breast cancer mortality.

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