Being diagnosed with breast cancer is like entering an unknown world. You will be confronted with the demands of the disease, a new vocabulary and the complexities of the health care system. Treatment options can be confusing. This is an emotionally stressful time for patients and those close to them.

Understanding Breast Cancer is a comprehensive program that provides you with the information you need to be able to actively participate in your care. Learn how to talk about cancer with your health care team and those close to you. Get the answers to your questions and gain control through understanding.

What is Breast Cancer?
This section gives patients an important introduction to breast cancer. It includes a discussion of risk factors and statistics about the disease. Easy-to-understand interactive diagrams explain cancer, and the anatomy and physiology of the breast.

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Diagnosis
The Diagnosis section focuses on recognizing symptoms, understanding investigations and tests, staging breast cancer and evaluating prognosis. It describes the symptoms of breast cancer, the methods used to detect it (e.g., mammograms, biopsy, ultrasound, bone scan, CT scan stereotactic imaging) and the various factors that influence prognosis. Illustrative graphics and animations contrast the different types of breast cancer (DCIS, LCIS, etc.) and reveal how the different stages describe the progress of the disease.

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Treatments
The Treatments section discusses both treatment decision-making and the details of each of the primary therapies for breast cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy. It clearly shows what to expect from each treatment approach, providing answers to the questions: Why are these treatments used? How do these treatments work? What will happen during my visits? How will I manage my side effects? For each type of treatment, narrated 3-D animations and diagrams reinforce the key concepts.

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Supportive Care
The Supportive Care section focuses on the medical, psychological and social services that help patients cope with the many challenges of breats cancer and its treatment. The topics include managing symptoms and side effects, sexuality and body image, diet and nutrition, pain management, relaxation techniques and complementary therepies. Sections on palliative care, spiritual support, psychological support and quality of life help patients address difficult emotional issues. Information on how to get in touch with support groups and services allows patients to seek out further assistance.

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Prevention and Early Detection
Early detection is important because the sooner a tumor can be detected, the greater the chance that cancer is caught at an early stage, when the possibility of cure is highest. This section describes the available screening techniques (e.g., mammography, physical examination and breast self-examination) and guidelines for screening in the United States and Canada. In addition, discussion of risk factors provides insight into the causes of the disease and how prevention may be possible.

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Genetics
About 5% to 10% of women with breast cancer have an inherited predisposition for the disease. The Genetics section provides an overview of basic genetics and describes how the two major breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2) affect the likelihood of developing breast cancer. Approaches to managing risk through genetic testing and genetic counseling are also thoroughly covered.

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Resources
In addition to the wealth of information contained in this program, the Resources section provides references to other printed and online resources. A comprehensive glossary contains all the medical terms used in the program, with clear definitions and audio narrations that teach proper pronunciation.

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Clinical Level
The Clinical Level is directed at medical professionals and more experienced patients. Featuring case studies, discussions of the latest research and pathology studies, it introduces users to the principles of oncology and the key issues in the treatment of breast cancer. With the Clinical Level advanced learners can gain the understanding and vocabulary to specify their goals and expectations and take an active role in their care.

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Interactive Learning

Anatomy Mode. Three-dimensional interactive images allow users to explore complex details of anatomy and understand the effects of cancer on the body.

Animations. Animations reveal simplicity in complex ideas and procedures. They demonstrate and reinforce key concepts in a dynamic, easy-to-understand format.

Patient Interviews. In the Patient Interview Videos, patients and caregivers tell their stories and offer their viewpoints. This unnque component offers rel-life examples of people dealing with every stage of cancer and allows users to share in the experiences of others.

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