Worried About Breast Cancer? Start Here

Breast cancer happens when abnormal cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably. These cells can form a tumor that may be felt as a lump or detected on imaging like a mammogram.

Although it most often affects women, men can develop breast cancer too. The disease is not one-size-fits-all—it can progress in different ways and at different speeds depending on the type.

In the U.S., about 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during her lifetime. It’s the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women, aside from skin cancer.

Most cases are found in people over 50, but it can occur earlier. Increased awareness and routine screening have helped many people catch it earlier, when treatment is more effective.

Some risk factors are beyond your control—like age, family history, or inherited gene mutations (such as BRCA1 and BRCA2).

Others include lifestyle choices: alcohol use, lack of physical activity, and long-term hormone therapy may all play a role. Having one or more risk factors doesn’t mean you’ll develop cancer, but knowing them helps guide conversations with your doctor.

A lump in the breast is the most well-known symptom, but it’s not the only one. Other early signs may include:

• Changes in breast size or shape
• Nipple discharge (especially if bloody or occurring without squeezing)
• Skin dimpling, redness, or flaking on the breast or nipple
• Pain or swelling in part of the breast

Some people experience no noticeable symptoms at all—another reason regular screenings matter.

A mammogram is a type of X-ray used to detect breast changes before they can be felt. It’s a key tool in routine screening and may find abnormalities years before symptoms appear.

For most women, mammograms are recommended starting at age 40–50, depending on personal and family history. Your doctor can help you decide when and how often to get screened.

Finding something abnormal doesn’t always mean cancer. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing—like a diagnostic mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy—to better understand what’s going on.

The goal is to get accurate information quickly so you and your care team can decide what (if any) next steps are needed.

Breast cancer is categorized based on where it starts and how it behaves. The most common types are:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – early-stage, non-invasive
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) – begins in the milk ducts and spreads
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) – starts in the milk-producing glands

Each type responds differently to treatment, which is why diagnosis is only the first part of the process.

Treatment depends on the type, stage, and individual health factors. Common options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted drugs. Many patients receive a combination.

Some treatments happen quickly; others may last months or longer. Every case is different, and care teams work to personalize the approach.

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce risk. These include limiting alcohol, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing hormone therapy risks with your doctor.

In high-risk cases, preventive options may include earlier or more frequent screening—or even surgery, in some cases.

If you notice a change in your breast or have questions about your risk, reach out to a healthcare provider. You can also explore resources from trusted organizations like:

• American Cancer Society
• Susan G. Komen Foundation
• BreastCancer.org
• Canadian Cancer Society (for readers in Canada)

Learning more is a strong first step—and you don’t have to wait for a symptom to start that conversation.