Few things are more unsettling for a woman than discovering a lump in her breast. It’s natural for the experience to trigger worry or anxiety — even fear. Although breast cancer may be your first thought, it’s important to know that a breast lump doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer.
Interestingly, some breast cancers don’t form a lump, making both routine screening mammograms and breast self-awareness crucial. This includes familiarizing yourself with the normal look and feel of your breasts to spot any changes early and seeing your health care provider if something seems off.
What to watch for
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for about 30% of all new cancers in women each year. The average woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer in the U.S