INTRODUCTION

Each year, more than 5,000 women in Michigan discover they have breast cancer. In fact, one out of every 10 women will develop breast cancer at some time in her life. After initial treatment, most of these women are able to continue living normal, productive lives. This booklet will help you better understand breast cancer.

Although breast cancer occurs in men, it is very uncommon, so the information contained in this booklet is directed primarily toward women. It may, however, be of some use to men who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. 'Throughout this booklet, words that may be new to readers are in italics. Definitions of these and other terms related to breast cancer begin on page 28. A brief description and diagram of your breasts is provided before beginning the discussion of the treatment of breast cancer.