I have a breast lump, should I worry?

Breast lumps or changes are a common health worry. You may have many kinds of breast lumps and other breast changes throughout your life. This may include changes that occur with menstrual periods, pregnancy, and aging. Most breast lumps and breast changes are normal.

Breast self-examinations are a simple way for you to learn what your breasts normally feel like. During a breast self-examination, you examine your own breasts to look and feel for changes each month. You learn how your breasts feel and what is normal for you. This can help you spot any changes early.

When to contact a doctor

Call a doctor if any of the following occur during self-care at home:

  • Skin changes, such as dimpling or puckering.
  • Nipple discharge.
  • Darkening of the area around the nipple.
  • A nipple being drawn inward.
  • A breast lump.
  • New signs of an infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or a fever.
  • Symptoms occur more often or are more severe.

Mammograms

A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast that is used to screen for breast cancer. Mammograms can find some breast cancers early, when the cancer may be more easily treated. Often a mammogram can find cancers that are too small for you or your doctor to feel.

The risk for breast cancer goes up as you get older. In general, women younger than 50 are at a lower risk for breast cancer. Because of this, women ages 50 to 70 are more likely to benefit from having a mammogram than women who are in their 40s.

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. These cancer cells can spread (metastasize) to nearby tissues and form a mass, called a tumour. The cells can spread within the breast, to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues, and to other parts of the body.