Signs & Symptoms
One common sign of breast cancer that someone might feel
What is a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm?
True or False: A mammogram can sometimes detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt.
True
True or False: Every person diagnosed with breast cancer receives the same treatment.
False. Treatment depends on factors such as cancer type, stage, tumor characteristics, and the person's circumstances.
True or False: White women have a higher breast cancer incidence rate than Black women, but Black women have a higher death rate.
True, according to U.S. population statistics.
True or False: Only people with a family history of breast cancer can develop it.
False. Many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known family history.
True or False: Breast cancer always causes pain.
False. Breast cancer can develop without pain.
What is the name of the X-ray test used to screen for breast cancer?
A mammogram.
True or False: Men can develop breast cancer, too.
True. Men have breast tissue and can develop breast cancer, although it is much less common.
Which racial group in the United States has the highest breast cancer death rate?
Black Women.
Does having a risk factor mean someone will definitely develop breast cancer?
No. Risk factors increase the likelihood of disease but do not guarantee it.
Name two changes in the breast or nipple that should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Examples include nipple discharge, a newly inverted nipple, skin dimpling, redness, or a change in breast size or shape.
How often should women ages 40–74 at average risk receive a screening mammogram?
Every two years.
Name one type of treatment used for breast cancer.
Surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy.
Approximately how much higher is breast cancer mortality among Black women than White women in the United States?
About 40% higher, according to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.
What is one major risk factor for breast cancer that people cannot control?
Age, inherited genetic changes, or family history.
Can breast cancer cause changes in the skin covering the breast? Name one example.
Yes. Examples include dimpling, puckering, redness, or skin that looks like an orange peel.
What does it mean to 'know your normal'?
Being familiar with how your breasts usually look and feel so you can recognize changes and report them.
What is the difference between surgery and chemotherapy in breast cancer treatment?
Surgery removes cancerous tissue from the breast or nearby areas. Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill or control cancer cells.
Name two healthcare or social factors that may contribute to racial disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Examples include delayed follow-up after abnormal screening, unequal access to high-quality treatment, insurance or financial barriers, and differences in access to timely diagnosis.
Name two lifestyle or medical factors associated with increased breast cancer risk.
Examples include alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, certain hormone replacement therapies, and having excess body weight after menopause.
Someone notices a new breast lump, but it does not hurt. Should they ignore it? Why or why not?
No. A painless lump can still be a sign of breast cancer, so it should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
What is the difference between a screening mammogram and a diagnostic mammogram?
A screening mammogram checks for signs of cancer in someone without symptoms. A diagnostic mammogram investigates a symptom or an abnormal screening result.
A person has no known family history of breast cancer. Can they still develop it, and what should they do if they notice a concerning change?
Yes. Many people diagnosed have no known family history. They should contact a healthcare professional about the change.
Why is increasing mammogram access alone not enough to eliminate racial disparities in breast cancer deaths?
People also need timely follow-up, accurate diagnosis, equitable access to effective treatment, and high-quality care. Differences in tumor biology can also contribute.
Name one inherited gene change associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.
BRCA1 or BRCA2.