Caption

Breast cancer. Artwork of a cancerous tumour (orange/red) in a breast. Most breast cancers arise in the mammary ducts, the remainder in the milk-producing lobular glands. Tumours may behave invasively (malignant tumours) but may also exist in non-invasive (benign) forms. Treatment is based on surgery, involving removal of the tumour or the more radical removal of the whole breast (mastectomy). If the cancer has spread beyond the breast before it is detected, then treatments are less effective, but anti-cancer drugs can still prolong life. Breasts should be checked throughout life on a monthly basis.