Types of Breast Cancer
September 4, 2025

Being told you have breast cancer can be scary but understanding the type you have can help you know what treatments your doctor might suggest. There are two main types of breast cancer: invasive and non-invasive. Each type has different subtypes.
Invasive Breast Cancer
This means the cancer has spread into nearby breast tissue. Some common types are:
Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC):
This means the cancer has spread from the milk ducts into the nearby fat of the breast. Some of the cancer has also spread into the lymph nodes or other organs in the body.
Invasive Lobular Carcinoma (ILC):
The second most common type. It begins in the lobules, which are the parts of the breast that make milk.
Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC):
A rare type that makes the breast look red and swollen.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC):
A rare and fast-growing type that is harder to treat because it doesn't respond to some common medicines.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer:
This type has too much of a protein called HER2, and there are special treatments that target it.
Non-Invasive Breast Cancer (also called Carcinoma in Situ)
This means the cancer has not spread into nearby tissue. Types include:
Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS):
Cancer cells are found only in the milk ducts. They haven’t spread yet.
Different types of breast cancer need different treatments. Your provider will talk to you about the best treatment options for your type of cancer. Be sure to ask questions so you understand your diagnosis and feel confident about your treatment plan.