Breast Facts Introduction

Many women do not learn much about breast health unless they breastfeed or have a problem that needs medical attention. Becoming familiar with breast anatomy and how the breasts function can help you understand the normal changes that occur during your lifetime. This is a good first step in learning about breast cancer and other conditions that affect the breasts.

The breasts are made up of a complex network of milk-producing sacs, passageways for carrying milk, supporting tissue, lymph nodes, glands, tiny muscles and fat. Throughout puberty and menopause, the look of the breasts changes as well as the structure and function of the breasts. This section describes these changes, explains breast cancer and other breast conditions and includes statistics on breast cancer.

Learn about male breast health and breast cancer. 

Updated 01/28/11

• Lymph Nodes (Lymph Glands): Small clumps of immune cells that act as filters for the lymphatic system. Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarms, groin, neck, chest and abdomen.

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Breast Structure and Function