In other words, thats a 13% risk over the average lifetime.
Advancements in technology can lead to earlier diagnosis, which canimprove the survival outlookfor some patients.
But unless you are athigh risk, recommended screenings usually dont start until around age 40.
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What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
In some cases, breast cancer can cause redness or dimples on breast skin.
The common denominator of all these symptoms is that the patient notices something unusual.
How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Its worth noting that not all growths in the breast are cancer.
The best prevention is screening, since they may not have any symptoms, she says.
You may not even feel sick with breast cancer, especially if the condition hasnt spread beyond the breast.
What are the screening recommendations for breast cancer?
(Previous, guidelines suggested having mammograms starting at age 45).
People with certain risk factors may qualify for earlier and more frequent breast cancer screenings.
Not sure about your specific risk factors?
Your doctor is the best resource to figure it out.
Some of these risks include a family history of breast or ovarian cancer and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.
Breast cancer screening continues to advance as technology does, says Dr. El-Ashry.
What role does self-exam play?
Experts dont considerself-examas a formal screening.
Examine your armpits, too, by raising your arms.
Lumpsmay feel likea hard rock in the breast tissue and they often have irregular edges rather than smooth ones.
Breast cancer may also cause swelling in your armpits.
Keep in mind that if you get a period, your breasts can change throughout your menstrual cycle.
For that reason, Dr. El-Ashry recommends checking your breasts at the same time each month.
If [a change] goes beyond one cycle, discuss it with your doctor, she says.
What does it mean if I have dense breasts?
Your breasts are made of glandular breast tissue and fat.
Its like finding a snowball in a snowstorm, says Dr. Meyers.
Can only cisgender women get breast cancer?
And while its significantly less common, Dr. Comen says cisgender men can get breast cancer, too.
TheAmerican Cancer Societyestimates that in 2024, 2,790 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
A mans breast cancer rate also goes up if he has a BRCA mutation.
How is breast cancer treated?
Chemo isnt always a must for everyone with breast cancer.
The order of treatment can also vary depending on your case and your doctors opinion.
Those who are concerned about breast cancer should always make an appointment to speak with their doctors.
Sometimes that means examining them and offering reassurance or ordering additional tests to find out whats going on.
But Dr. Comen says doctors and researchers are always working to increase survival rates.
We havent done enough work yet because men and women are still suffering and dying, she says.
Were all committed to improving outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Read more stories about breast cancer.
Now, watch a metastatic breast cancer’s patient journey in six photos.
