Early detection means finding breast cancer as early as possible, often before it has spread or caused symptoms. It is one of the most important ways to improve breast cancer outcomes. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed at an early, localized stage is over 99%.
There are several ways to support early detection, including becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, getting recommended screenings such as mammograms, recognizing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, and reporting any new breast changes to a healthcare provider promptly. The more informed you are, the more empowered you’ll be to take charge of your breast health.
Breast cancer found in its earliest stages is often easier to treat and less likely to have spread beyond the breast. Although no screening method can prevent breast cancer, staying familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, getting recommended screenings, and promptly reporting any breast changes gives you the best opportunity to detect breast cancer as early as possible.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer can help you recognize changes that should be evaluated promptly. While not all breast cancer causes signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages, if signs and symptoms are present, they may include a breast lump, skin changes, changes in the nipple, and more. Any new or unusual breast changes should be reported promptly to your healthcare provider.
A breast lump is a mass, growth, or swelling within the breast tissue. While finding a lump in your breast can be concerning, it’s important to remember that not all breast lumps are breast cancer. There are many types of benign (non-cancerous) breast lumps, including fibroadenomas, cysts, lipomas, and others. However, some breast lumps may be cancerous and require further evaluation. It’s important to report any new or persistent breast lump to your doctor right away.
Breast pain is any discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breast or underarm area. There are a number of reasons someone may experience breast pain, including hormonal changes, fibrocystic breast tissue, medications, injuries, or other health conditions. While breast pain is not usually a sign of breast cancer, it’s important to tell your doctor about any breast pain you may be experiencing.
A breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac inside the breast that is usually benign (non-cancerous). Breast cysts can vary in size, texture, and consistency, as well as appear in one or both breasts. Having benign breast cysts does not increase your chances of developing breast cancer. However, any new breast lump or suspected breast cyst should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to determine whether additional testing is needed.
Dense breast tissue is a common and benign finding on a mammogram. It is also a risk factor for breast cancer. Breast density describes how much fibroglandular tissue (connective structures within the breast) you have compared with fatty tissue seen on a mammogram. A higher proportion of fibroglandular tissue can make it harder for a radiologist to detect small cancers that may be hidden among dense tissue. There are four breast density categories, ranging from A to D. Your mammogram report will list your level of breast density. Women with dense breasts may need to undergo additional screenings, such as ultrasound or breast MRI, in addition to their regular screening mammograms.
A breast self-exam is an early detection tool that can help you identify any changes in your breasts that should be reported to your doctor. Women ages 18 and older are encouraged to become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel through regular breast self-awareness. Having breast self-awareness makes it easier to notice if any concerning changes are present. Performing a monthly breast self-exam is an important part of practicing early detection.
A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize the presence of breast abnormalities or concerns. A clinical breast exam is usually performed by a doctor or gynecologist during a woman’s annual well visit or well-woman exam. It typically involves both a visual inspection of the breasts and a manual check of the tissue for any unusual texture or lumps.
A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is the most effective screening tool for the early detection of breast cancer in women at average risk. All women ages 40 and over at average risk of breast cancer should receive a screening mammogram once a year. Women with an increased risk of breast cancer may need to begin screening earlier or screen more often. In a mammogram, firm compression is applied to the breasts in order to get a detailed and accurate x-ray image of the tissue. A radiologist will then study the x-ray to check for the presence of anything concerning, such as masses, calcifications, cysts, or other abnormalities.
Many women encounter barriers when trying to schedule their annual mammogram. Barriers may include cost, language, distance to a mammogram facility, or simply not knowing who to call or how to request a screening. Knowing how to overcome these barriers and what to say when scheduling your screening is an important part of early detection.
BI-RADS (Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System) is a standardized system radiologists use to describe breast imaging results and communicate recommendations for follow-up care. After a mammogram, a radiologist assigns your imaging a category ranging from BI-RADS 0 to BI-RADS 6. It’s important to know that a BI-RADS category is not a breast cancer diagnosis, nor does BI-RADS alone diagnose cancer. Instead, it communicates what was found on a mammogram and gives you and your care team information for follow-up or future screenings.
Although breast cancer cannot usually be prevented, being aware of the risk factors for breast cancer—and focusing on the risk factors you can influence through healthy lifestyle habits—can help lower your risk. Healthy habits include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, and more.
