Can Breast Cancer Be Detected Early?

Breast cancer is often detected early when a woman notices symptoms such as a lump. Breast cancer can be detected early with yearly screening tests, including yearly mammograms.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast become abnormal and grow out of control. 

Getting regular screening tests can help detect breast cancer early. The American Cancer Society has screening guidelines for women at average risk of breast cancer, and for those at high risk for breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society screening guidelines for women with an average risk of breast cancer include: 

• Women 45 to 54 years
  • Yearly mammograms
  • Mammograms are low-dose X-rays of the breast
• Women 55 and older
  • Can continue yearly mammograms or switch to mammograms every other year
  • Screening should continue as long as a woman is in good health and is expected to live at least 10 more years
• Clinical breast exams are not recommended for breast cancer screening among average-risk women at any age
  • There is little evidence that regular physical breast exams done by either a health professional or by women themselves (breast self-exams) help detect breast cancer early when women also get screening mammograms

Women with an average risk of breast cancer include: 

• No personal history of breast cancer or strong family history of breast cancer
• No genetic mutation known to increase risk of breast cancer (such as in a BRCA gene)
• No chest radiation therapy before the age of 30

The American Cancer Society screening guidelines for women with a high risk of breast cancer recommend a breast MRI in addition to a mammogram yearly, starting at age 30.

Women with a high risk of breast cancer include: 

• A known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation 
• A first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child) with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
• Radiation therapy to the chest between the ages of 10 and 30 years
• Have Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome, or have first-degree relatives with one of these syndromes

Breast cancer is often detected early when symptoms (such as a lump) are noticed by a woman during usual daily activities such as bathing or dressing. While there is no evidence breast self-exams can help detect breast cancer early, women should become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel and should tell their doctor if they notice any changes in their breasts or signs that may indicate breast cancer.

The American Cancer Society’s warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• Swelling or thickening of the breast
• Changes in the size or shape of the breast
• Pain in any area of the breast
• Irritation or dimpling of the breast skin
• Nipple pain
• Nipple turning inward
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, including blood
• Skin changes on the breast: redness, scaliness, flaky skin, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
• Lump in the underarm area (armpit)
• Breast lump
  • Not all lumps in the breast are cancerous; more than 80% are benign
    • It is impossible to tell by feel only whether a lump is cancerous or not
    • See a doctor if you notice any breast changes or lumps