Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women next to lung cancer. Every woman is at risk for developing breast cancer in her lifetime. According to OncoLink at www.oncolink.org , almost 200,000 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. It is recommended that women perform self-breast examination on a routine basis to detect any changes in breast tissue. As women age, changes can occur in the breast that may not be detected by touch, which is why all women should start getting screening mammograms at the recommended intervals after age 35. A lesion or tumor can be present for many years before it is palpable. Once a tumor has spread, more aggressive treatment is required to stop the growth and spread to surrounding tissues. Breast cancer support groups can be very helpful to women in all stages of the disease process, from the newly diagnosed to those who are terminal.

There are several organizations which can assist patients who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Some of these include the American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
The American Cancer Society is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and has more than 3,400 offices located across the nation. ACS provides resources and support to patients who are diagnosed with any type of cancer.

The American Cancer Society's website is packed full of beneficial information on the topic of breast cancer. ACS sponsored walk-a-thons and golf fundraising events are listed on the site, with instructions on how to become involved. Individuals visiting the site can obtain information on how to quit smoking, dietary advice, clinical trials and more.