Breast Cancer Sourcebook (Health Reference)

Basic information on causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in women, and an estimated one in eight U.S. women (about 12%) will eventually develop an invasive form of this disease. In 2016, an estimated 246,660 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in the United States, along with 61,000 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. In 2015, an estimated 40,450 women in the U.S. were expected to die from breast cancer. However thanks to treatment advances, earlier detection and screening techniques, and increased awareness of symptoms, the number of deaths attributable to breast cancer each year has declined since 1989.

Breast Cancer Sourcebook, Fifth Edition, provides updated information about breast cancer and its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. Readers will learn about the types of breast cancer, including ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, invasive carcinoma, and inflammatory breast cancer, as well as common breast cancer treatment complications, such as pain, fatigue, lymphedema, hair loss, and sexuality and fertility issues. Information on preventive therapies, nutrition and exercise recommendations, and tips on living with cancer are also included, along with a glossary of related terms and a directory of organizations that offer additional information to breast cancer patients and their families.

For over 25 years, librarians have trusted the Health Reference Series to answer their patrons health questions as they navigate the increasingly noisy, and often unreliable, landscape of medical information.

The Health Reference Series provides basic medical information for patients, families, caregivers, and the general public. Each volume takes a particular topic and provides comprehensive coverage. This is especially important for people who may be dealing with a newly diagnosed disease or a chronic disorder in themselves or in a family member. People looking for preventive guidance, information about disease warning signs, medical statistics, and risk factors for health problems will also find answers to their questions in this series.

The Omnigraphics mission has been to provide authoritative and engaging reference resources to libraries and schools. Spanning the areas of biography, history, health, culture, and ready reference, the Omnigraphics products have been consistently recognized for demonstrating the same uncompromising quality throughout the years.