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Breast cancer is the name for cancers that start in the breast. It is the most common cancer in the UK.
How breast cancer starts and grows
Cells normally multiply in a regular, orderly fashion, but sometimes they change and begin to grow and divide in an irregular, uncontrolled way. These abnormal cells can form a lump or tumour in the breast. Learn more about how breast cancer starts and grows.
Breast cancer statistics
Around 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, including around 4,500 in Scotland. Breast cancer survival is improving, yet there are still around 1,000 UK women who die of breast cancer every month. Learn more about breast cancer statistics.
Breast cancer in men
Breast cancer in men is rare, with around 400 men diagnosed each year in the UK. However, it’s still important that it is caught early and there are signs and symptoms that men can look out for. Learn more about breast cancer in men.
Information last reviewed: 17 December 2012
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