A malignant cancer that originates in the tissue of the mammary gland.
example
Die Früherkennung von Brustkrebs verbessert die Heilungschancen erheblich.
Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of recovery.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is clearly composed of 'die Brust' (the breast/chest) and 'der Krebs' (cancer). This pattern, [body part] + 'Krebs' (cancer), is used in German for many types of cancer, e.g. 'Lungenkrebs' (lung cancer) or 'Hautkrebs' (skin cancer).
EXAMPLE
Rauchen erhöht das Risiko für Lungenkrebs.
Smoking increases the risk of lung cancer.
Correct preposition
To express that someone is suffering from an illness, German often uses the preposition 'an' with the dative. So you say 'an Brustkrebs erkranken' (to develop breast cancer) or 'an Brustkrebs leiden' (to suffer from breast cancer).
EXAMPLE
Leider ist ihre Tante an Brustkrebs gestorben.
Unfortunately, her aunt died of breast cancer.
Typical collocations
In a medical context, 'Brustkrebs' (breast cancer) is often combined with verbs such as 'diagnostizieren' (to diagnose), 'behandeln' (to treat), or 'operieren' (to operate on). 'Brustkrebs-Vorsorge' (breast cancer screening/prevention) is also a common combination.
EXAMPLE
Bei ihr wurde vor einem Jahr Brustkrebs diagnostiziert.