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About Breast Cancer > Early Detection

  • What is Breast Cancer?
    • What Is Cancer?
    • Causes of Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer Facts
    • Breast Tumors
    • Breast Anatomy
    • Male Breast Cancer
    • Growth of Cancer
    • Risk Factors
    • Breast Cancer Genetics
      • Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
      • Other Breast Cancer Genes
      • BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene
      • What To Do If You Tested Positive
  • Early Detection
    • Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs
    • Breast Pain
    • Breast Cyst
    • Breast Self-Exam
    • Clinical Breast Exam
    • Mammogram
    • How to Schedule a Mammogram
    • Healthy Habits
  • Diagnosis
    • Diagnostic Mammogram
    • Ultrasound
    • MRI
    • Breast Biopsy
    • Lab Tests
    • Waiting For Results
  • Stages
    • Breast Cancer Stages
    • Stages 0 & 1
    • Stage 2 (II) And Stage 2A (IIA)
    • Stage 3 (III) A, B, And C
    • Stage 4 (IV)
  • Types of Breast Cancer
    • Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS)
    • Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC)
    • Lobular Carcinoma In Situ (LCIS)
    • Invasive Lobular Cancer (ILC)
    • Triple Negative Breast Cancer
    • Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC)
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer
    • Breast Cancer During Pregnancy
    • Other Types
  • Treatment
    • Choosing Your Doctor
    • Surgery
      • Lymph Node Removal & Lymphedema
      • Breast Reconstruction
      • Lumpectomy
      • Mastectomy
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation Therapy
    • Hormone Therapy
    • Targeted Therapy
    • Metastatic Breast Cancer Trial Search
    • Standard Treatment vs. Clinical Trials
    • Physical Activity, Wellness & Nutrition
    • Bone Health Guide for Breast Cancer Survivors in 2022
    • Follow-Up Care
  • Myths
    • Myth: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer
    • Myth: Men do not get breast cancer; it affects women only
    • Myth: A mammogram can cause breast cancer to spread
    • Myth: If you have a family history of breast cancer, you are likely to develop breast cancer, too
    • Myth: Breast cancer is contagious
    • Myth: If the gene mutation BRCA1 or BRCA2 is detected in your DNA, you will definitely develop breast cancer
    • Myth: Antiperspirants and deodorants cause breast cancer
  • FAQs
    • Can physical activity reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Can a healthy diet help to prevent breast cancer?
    • Does smoking cause breast cancer?
    • Can drinking alcohol increase the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between oral contraceptives and breast cancer?
    • Is there a link between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and breast cancer?
    • How often should I do a breast self exam (BSE)?
    • Does a family history of breast cancer put someone at a higher risk?
    • Are mammograms painful?
    • How does menstrual and reproductive history affect breast cancer risks?
    • How often should I go to my doctor for a check-up?
    • What kind of impact does stress have on breast cancer?
    • What celebrities have or have had breast cancer?
    • Where can I find a breast cancer support group?
    • Can breastfeeding reduce the risk of breast cancer?
    • Is dairy (milk) linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
    • Is hair dye linked to a higher risk of breast cancer?
  • Free Educational Guides
    • *Pre-order!* How to Talk About Breast Health (Without Being Awkward)
    • Healthy Recipes for Cancer Patients eBook
    • Breast Reconstruction Guide
    • eBook Quiz
    • Chemo Messages
    • Most Asked Questions About Breast Cancer Recurrence
    • Breast Problems That Arent Breast Cancer eBook
    • Nutrition Care for Breast Cancer Patients eBook
    • Finding Hope that Heals eBook
    • Dense Breasts Q&A Guide
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    • What to Say to a Cancer Patient eBook
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    • Mammogram 101 eBook
    • 3 Steps to Early Detection Guide
    • Abnormal Mammogram eBook
    • Healthy Living & Personal Risk Guide
    • What Every Woman Needs to Know eBook
  • Breast Cancer Resources

Early Detection

According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%. Early detection includes doing monthly breast self-exams, and scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.
Breast Cancer Symptoms and Signs

Many breast cancer symptoms are invisible and not noticeable without a professional screening, but some symptoms can be caught early just by being proactive about your breast health. Keep your breast health in check with the Know the Symptoms guide today.

Breast Pain

Breast pain is any discomfort, tenderness, or pain in the breast or underarm region, and it may occur for a number of reasons. Breast pain usually isn’t a sign of breast cancer. Should breast pain cause me to be concerned about breast cancer? Although many women with pain in one or both breasts may be […]

Breast Cyst

A cyst in the breast may feel like a lump, but upon examination the lump is a small, generally harmless sac filled with fluid rather than a cancerous or benign lump of cells. You may have one cyst or many cysts that appear together.

Breast Self-Exam

Adult women of all ages are encouraged to perform breast self-exams at least once a month. Johns Hopkins Medical center states,
“Forty percent of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump, so establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.”

Clinical Breast Exam

A clinical breast exam is performed by a healthcare professional who is trained to recognize many different types of abnormalities and warning signs. This in-office exam will most likely be completed by your family physician or gynecologist at your annual exam, whereas your breast self-exam is something every woman should do at once at month at home.

Mammogram

A mammogram is an x-ray that allows a qualified specialist to examine the breast tissue for any suspicious areas. The breast is exposed to a small dose of ionizing radiation that produces an image of the breast tissue.

How to Schedule a Mammogram

Many women encounter barriers when trying to schedule a mammogram. Learn about the information you need for your next exam.

Healthy Habits

Make healthy living a priority in your daily life with the help of our Weekly Health Tips. Each week we’ll send you a new tip to your email inbox to help you live a more balanced lifestyle.

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ABOUT BREAST CANCER
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