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Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.

Estimated new cases and deaths from breast cancer in the United States in 2008:


	New cases: 182,460 (female); 1,990 (male)

	Deaths: 40,480 (female); 450 (male)

See the online booklet What You Need To Know About™ Breast Cancer to learn about breast cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.

For an overview of research advances, see Cancer Advances In Focus: Breast Cancer.