Breast cancer. Coloured magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the breast of a 56 year old woman with breast cancer. The malignant (cancerous) tumour (purple) has been highlighted by the contrast medium gadolinium. The red area around the tumour is a ring of necrotic (dead) tissue that is a result of rapid tumour growth. Breast cancer is the most common type of a cancer in women. Treatment is with the removal of the tumour only, where possible, or complete removal of the breast. Surgery is often combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.