Excluding skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, affecting approximately 12% of women over the course of their lifetime. Breast cancer typically does not cause symptoms in the early stages and is often detected with screening mammograms. Treatments depend on the cancer stage and type, and may include surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and radiation therapy.
Understanding Breast Cancer
Symptoms
![Woman performing a self-check breast exam to look for early signs of breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/zi37-6GCNBM9gkJU0I2-yiXBCsk=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1443673171-1534a06a51934c69b88548b7a5e9951b.jpg)
![woman talking with doctor about an IUD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Mjq6aBZFaVdCcJEPd-EDEynQckE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1293681788-a1e0779051b846fd856535d8dc8cc4f3.jpg)
![Woman in breast cancer screening with doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4Ohau83MotGwZ-rl3J-qPb1ANxg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1344723902-bee880d02b844ccdbd4b5b980bbf224b.jpg)
![Woman applying cream on rash due to skin changes from breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xd8SKef2R1sJhcInFr91HNEpMEw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1209540510-1bc22365197a4c65857d9d972db0ca78.jpg)
![mammogram illustrating one test used to diagnose inflammatory breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qtI6qOv-NDr4OhiLFadDSNiJkHc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-607039765-1--579b87505f9b589aa935caae.jpg)
![Woman doing a breast self-exam](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/F8lF_jcnEF0mbd3-emcS0t73hk8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1383753947-427fada810bc47ce8b33f7e507437dd1.jpg)
![armpit lump](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/kGlDl_BhUhKRziFEqPgOATSPrPM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1267749587-9e773cb3a686493f9caebb4f4adb37d9.jpg)
![Woman in bathroom feeling armpit for swollen lymph node](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/hpAXW800KoodDJKNkpTqX_2X4E8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1412793213-e92e46b95ecc487ea0acd694560042d4.jpg)
![Common Causes of Nipple Pain](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/kE--f7jQuOPSdJbjhHr5T-tuKJQ=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/nipple-pain-causes-4173602-notext-final-636023b088b5413a83ee25dfe8f0476b.png)
![Nurse evaluating mammogram results](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9E5stxbXaqkQAJiy8_sbh-xFmkw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-917730122-5af4921f3418c60038771575.jpg)
Frequently Asked Questions
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While breast cancer is rare in men, the disease can affect men too. Men can also have breast lumps and should get a prompt medical evaluation for any lump or change in the appearance of their chest or breast area.
Learn More An Overview of Male Breast Cancer -
Breast cancer is usually painless during its early stages, but growths can stretch the skin and breast tissue, causing discomfort or pain. The pain can be anywhere in the breast or it may occur in the nipple.
Learn More Symptoms of Breast Cancer -
To check for lumps, perform monthly mid-cycle self-checks (about two weeks after your period). Screening mammograms are recommended yearly for women over the age of 45, and sometimes younger for those considered high risk. Doctors may do breast examinations, take a biopsy (sample of breast tissue), or may recommend genetic testing, such as for BRCA gene mutations linked to breast cancer.
Learn More How to Do a Breast Self-Examination (BSE) -
Seek medical attention if you feel or notice a lump in your breast or if you have any breast or nipple pain, swelling in the armpit (lymph nodes), persistent tenderness, an inverted or retracted nipple, or a change in breast size or shape. Additional things to look for are breast discoloration, scaly or pitted skin, and clear or bloody nipple discharge.
Learn More Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Diagnosis
Types
Causes and Risk Factors
![person with breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/NMVGvjQbqttEueIwSCq__Qaz9AM=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1283405549-db1c878d0bd34722988631b965d197e2.jpg)
![Doctor and patient using digital tablet in clinic](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/_wO4EKt7JbWcH3y9VR0VG-qMIiY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/547016589-56a0b72a3df78cafdaa446c7.jpg)
![woman talking to doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qkr0XLEG8EyIJgP5xrhwX0kOeME=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1072676178-bf91b16d15974749a901451cba6dc55f.jpg)
![Hormonal birth control blister packet and its relationship with breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/nirTfytZ2_8mS0Vdc7pB1LMnTNc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-2157529680-400f7e8ec4bb41eba5a26efac4901d9b.jpg)
![obesity and cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/MqnVzlRM_mo2vDTVVTzQ59uZdvY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-News-Whymightobesitycausecancer-v1-a126f4f51cd0402898126f2683638935.png)
![Hand of GP, placing on chest of young man](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/OoFhK_h2NunHULrXHQP8DnOaQLc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-106914835-58d009023df78c3c4f3b6b39.jpg)
![Woman hugging her mother in the kitchen](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Y95xOfS5e9pNzAse_B3epdsCpbM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-528869937-5a15ea094e46ba001a58190a.jpg)
Key Terms
- Cancer Cells
Cells with mutations that allow them to grow uncontrollably and continue to divide without stopping. They are able to invade nearby tissues and spread throughout the body, often evading the immune system.
- Intraductal Carcinoma
Intraductal carcinoma (also called ductal carcinoma in situ) is when there is cancer in the milk ducts that hasn’t yet spread to other tissue. This is considered an early form of cancer, a stage zero, that isn’t yet invasive.
- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), which is sometimes called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is a cancer in the milk ducts of the breast that has invaded nearby breast tissue. It is the most common type of breast cancer and approximately 80% of invasive breast cancers are invasive ductal carcinomas.
- Lymph Nodes
Small glands that are part of the immune system. Lymph nodes are distributed along lymphatic vessels that transport lymph. Lymph is a fluid from cells and tissues that contain a variety of substances and white blood cells that fight infections. With solid tumor cancers, cancer cells often travel to lymph nodes before other areas. Lymph nodes are a common site for spread in breast cancer.
Treatment
Prevention
![drug news illo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/1pVZ44zrWVglJ-Ub9VH9HNmdHbQ=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-NEWS-DrugNewsrefresh-final-e818df3ace07443eac94df1760ff536b.png)
![breast cancer increase](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/rS5r6ziGyUPwYVhI57P6t3s8cBs=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/BreastcancerincreasingamongyoungerwomenAAPIwomen-v1-f55bb9ccdda241148b10c20cb2be85af.png)
![A healthcare provider looking at a mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/oUKsjLgpTiEvby97K8yjGvQAHm4=/600x450/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-917730078-d74d890f4d2d445fb3368999ee2b73d6.jpg)
![A doctor explaining a chest X-ray to patient](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4-mixu5zbt4dEvE51ZQ42zYPwxA=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1344723902-7f98d830223d4785b5f4d87ed4e6d499.jpg)
![doctor and patient during Mammography test for fibroglandular density](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/F8k8wvlLgmRlJxPKRNlUGAj3Kj8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1463821381-3738b3280688434fa0c20b6df6d0a1b2.jpg)
![A mature African-American woman in her 40s wearing a hospital gown, getting her annual mammogram. She is being helped by a technologist, a blond woman wearing scrubs.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/8WFExKjEvOq-cxV2Xxo6toXXUuo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1208675450-ee34df164afa47c1b2ed062757092a44.jpg)
![Olivia Munn attends the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/jI7I7ZyJ_wXRfChwYbsDUJjBUNI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-2075197594-5c08f25ea94746d389a568fa00b47cd1.jpg)
![drug news illo](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qcCTBw4soPM-yoUf3agvxLrtpZc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-News-NewDrugs-final-59e1a05ec3284198a52de564008bdadf.png)
![younger women and mammogram access](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/V2lcH-NF_jyGrIgnylTYt2VwRtw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWHealth-How-Younger-Women-Can-Access-Mammograms-4-8ccb297ea5e64cb48aea6bebe30447f7.jpg)
![group of female hands holding pink ribbons](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/tp7P-zCIVHgBb408ZLhvLIUDjuU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1170994066-d86dbb4914cf42f2a54ae74e6fe643a6.jpg)
![A mature African-American woman in her 40s wearing a hospital gown, getting her annual mammogram. She is being helped by a technologist, a blond woman wearing scrubs.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/8WFExKjEvOq-cxV2Xxo6toXXUuo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1208675450-ee34df164afa47c1b2ed062757092a44.jpg)
![Dr. Doru Paul Ask the Expert](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WLzyzAeu9G-VPi2HtJHA87Wavnk=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ask-an-expert_article_DoruPaulMD-ce239fad17a04321a6ca1f6c3bd72f20.png)
![Black woman touching her breast to check for lumps](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/r5BUwZJijUPg9Qx4_oTeJ0aSBsM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1382292112-fa4400c9b8cf42cdb61e68f35d7e814e.jpg)
![MADRID, SPAIN - 2021/07/21: In this photo illustration vials of Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for coronavirus treatment. Spain has exceeded 50% of the population vaccinated with the full schedule against COVID-19. (Photo Illustration by Marcos del Mazo/LightRocket via Getty Images)](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/6Wg52YC5TkGtZr8vvBmG0aHcaBI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Pfizer-2-2000-a1d2d35c2fb5462382d32fd983fbac0b.jpg)
![Black woman getting a mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/iprgwKhU_YnF24oeV3GUgbP1u5E=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-86541005-bb9b31b6bb78446a81df0cf99736d2b6.jpg)
![A girl is hugging a woman with cancer, both smiling](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/kGrjy9JHon70ABn4n6xr2XG7IBg=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1130150645-a99fc1f71c434c09b0ccd2474a039c5d.jpg)
![A middle-aged, mixed race woman, sits on an exam table in a doctors office.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/laoMIjO31927ZxC1p3UBtC_0piU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-12067426591-33bf6a3ea1434950842754c21ce4ced6.jpg)
![Marenda Taylor Health Divide](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/uUm3PqMYIgWAEd6H_9hx0O6c0_U=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/health-divide-personal-story-marenda-taylor-ffd4181cbb134d1db6b7e4561e1c4a62.jpg)
![Len Robertson Health Divide](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4uO2ez9ysotBCLiLfDkNpdDp8TE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/health-divide-breast-cancer-len-robertson-969aa37725504598b497038ab37f0dec.jpg)
![Suzette Simon Health Divide](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/KFv1FtoFjelzDhCC2JRgpQZOxx4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/health-divide-personal-story-suzette-simon-a1e26168984e45d0a5a88219a86c0fff.jpg)
![A young Black woman holding her breast.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/LM3QuNP9Kg5_iBIk12Fm_gY-Jl4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1328313991-62baa542ca624bc4a8ee254f6760533e.jpeg)
![Anxious woman discussing late breast cancer recurrence with her doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4xoaiRPixMDut0_J-b4bJWmZRfc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/iStock-989387872-a87c953e4a4c44c488d5aeb446bfd5ca.jpg)
![Women embracing after finishing breast cancer awareness race](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/F9ykm0K0YhrJ_F8N_Bgg11JBUck=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/iStock-524326685-5963a0633df78cdc68bc9550.jpg)
![Black woman with breast cancer.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xJh0J-dddgyLP5rLR5gfoDv7LZ0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1141776180-3ae79c524c064be2a0d8014b282f17e3.jpg)
![Black woman with cancer gets examined by a doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/yzsKszfvz-Lgnbcri5YDo0ddWsI=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1176910233-6f4abf0ffa2f4055bc351cced4c2cb48.jpg)
![Doctor with a patient](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/K3tWgK6LosGwHxCK9kMAYa9YqZ8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/doctor-with-a-patient-1150701435-cc9c7657895a4ece9280438be3dfd0d3.jpg)
![Female doctor standing next to senior patient and talking to her](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/2_r4Jb308ABXes7iNsYRHa6OpNw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/female-doctor-standing-next-to-senior-patient-and-talking-to-her-1094387412-20c20a320a934879b4edeacc9e1c86e6.jpg)
![A person lying down and receiving a breast exam from a healthcare provider](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/2gURKpbNdKtoPtqEdhXt5q6_wiY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-MiraNorian-Whatistriplepositivebreastcancer-Recirc-91b60ec121c84f2d8e4f7bfe933d6054.jpg)
![Scientist doing genetic tests for Non-BRCA Gene Mutations](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/If45LYxBjWtc8mvIzLznExLMkEc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-2147988132-63d7fa2e55674cc5892cf81f1bb2da56.jpg)
![Acne on the chest of a woman vs what breast cancer skin changes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WiWEBMnho_qLEHS1BWPwEHve_7Q=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1412701326-315bb5800b2b40babf98adc70e4f875f.jpg)
![Woman checking breasts for lumps](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/nu8hmswbdVJhIvY-BOcebnt_8hc=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1320622542-4a10efd24d3e45d7b71975007dee8a29.jpg)
![Radiologist pointing at screen showing mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9p6vUJhWjZyBVWyVkbyyDq9KD7U=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1187651665-f03397e4b68d4b08b5da5e6accef1ddc.jpg)
![Woman massaging her stiff neck which may be a sign of breast cancer metastasis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/MXWZxir39Cmn35STFE4RNlFL_T4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1430757060-5624c22568b0443296d94e108946068f.jpg)
![Woman speaking to her doctor](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WavujviZy6lu5KTjFNHUVwbe2qE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1342134434-e3763416f9c343009959de66791fd084.jpg)
![Patient explaining lump to nurse with clipboard](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-CxKfGZXkIlinWBHmGQHiSx92Iw=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-547016395-599ed976519de200113ba5e6.jpg)
![Woman feeling breast lump while at home in bedroom](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/qMp8gpUkBt_Z6jc3YGMbZD_yz8g=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1402858003-87a9baac1d914339a5cbd61f32df981d.jpg)
![woman taking off bra before mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Sk2U6U0juRe9Xx39nBGpE0cMHl0=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mammogram-5b9bfddd46e0fb00257497a6.jpg)
![Woman performing breast self-exam to feel for a lump in the breast](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/jiukjfNk__HrrZQ7C2P13NihxYU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-GettyImages-1331593498-156ea11f0e274d3286dcc259b1a1c4df.jpg)
![Man jogging without a shirt.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Eokeb3aHnoVhR4ML6Qx6YFq458g=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/148965719-56a0b7005f9b58eba4b31635.jpg)
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![doctor and patient talking](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/vOusxv2juZQa3usEyEPEQN0Z2_M=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-13090732211-3075291f3a8d4e91a54b1da0c2c8ae35.jpg)
![woman scratching itchy breast](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/8vpxI1EfGr5NABjQH8fhMmPFIiY=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-758309241-5b25ab92303713003617a52e.jpg)
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![A person getting a mammogram to check for breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/55xSrGwqrUoPCyPmqFjHmVbyYGE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mammogram-GettyImages-917730112-c7f6bcbd8e9846bd9dd840f328af86bf.jpg)
![A healthcare provider discusses a breast cancer pathology report with a patient](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9nA1QF0LO3r-cvGQhdGsmsCN20c=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/doctor-patient-GettyImages-1449309649-a687306cbe034267bd0cca68569f03f5.jpg)
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![A woman having a mammogram test](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/mVGgYVBGXex453xOiq0BViFHIlo=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-518688702-3a7e29e9d291422f97893ed195929cd6.jpg)
![Black woman getting a mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/iprgwKhU_YnF24oeV3GUgbP1u5E=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-86541005-bb9b31b6bb78446a81df0cf99736d2b6.jpg)
![Early pregnancy ultrasound image](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/4Qb3ZihFsx8VB8iqMmyLIrPAcXM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/prenatal-ultrasound-GettyImages-891969164-ac693a1c247349c2bfbf3b24676491a6.jpg)
![Radiology healthcare providers preparing for an MRI scan](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9HkVFohMW5R79h4ryzCQIh-lIP8=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1314783906-cacf0ff70b254c7eb1dfc5e00e363e3c.jpg)
![Medicare coverage for breast ultrasound](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/37wDBca34DWMOFSP0pZ3s7GF7SM=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1175131240-040087fc8a7c4c89a981fc4f732c413f.jpg)
![a woman checking herself for breast cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/Zi5YeOnVYF1cu_Dho1Y2gGxequE=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-1281803582-6f7b32f8577c4741b708dfc3d5b2f4bd.jpg)
![Mammography, breast screening device in hospital laboratory of modern clinic.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/WZ6TsKq4GdxvUKiXRhBGzgnl3zU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mammography-breast-screening-device-in-hospital-laboratory-of-modern-clinic--selective-focus-breast-screening-device-in-hospital-laboratory--health-care-medical-technology-hi-tech-equipment-concept--nurse--medical-staff-1132724941-43423b9cd88c4f0eac5f8f9ce33b890f.jpg)
![A person with a breast cancer ribbon](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/vdqs6YtZqBBgX4j6afvfTHM8Hw4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/VWH-JulieBang-Stage1BreastCancerSurvivalRate-Recirc-abbae3d061e946cd94a3caf1ff22454f.jpg)
![Nurse preparing patient for mammography](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/FWPCFu8VFKVAEHJgUJ9MJCeqj_Q=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-522912328-59bc2b8a396e5a00107c85a2.jpg)
![scientist looking at stage 2 breast cancer tumor sample](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/_R0eR5NFlAwqtH4LnrocPlG3KlU=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/555855659-56d8c33d3df78c5ba02382b2.jpg)
![Radiologist reviewing results of patients mammogram](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/-ojHKVAqHv7mPENoS-6jUvOj0n4=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-106450835-57cf123a5f9b5829f44b7bdf.jpg)