Breast cancer: what to watch for and what to do next

Finding a change in your chest can feel scary. Know this: early action saves lives. Breast cancer isn’t only a women’s issue — men get it too, so this guide covers signs, screening, and straightforward next steps for anyone who’s worried.

Common signs and quick checks

Look for lumps or thickening in the breast or underarm that feel different from surrounding tissue. Other signs: nipple discharge (especially bloody), a nipple turned inward, persistent pain in one spot, or skin changes like dimpling, redness, or puckering. If you notice any of these, don’t wait for them to get worse.

A simple self-check helps you know your baseline. Press the whole breast and underarm with flat fingers in a circular pattern, standing and lying down. Do it once a month so you notice new changes fast. If you have surgery scars, implants, or dense tissue, tell your doctor — those things can change how exams and imaging are done.

Screening and tests: what to expect

Most health groups advise women start regular mammograms around age 40–50 and repeat them every 1–2 years, but personal risk matters. If you have a strong family history or a known genetic change like BRCA1/BRCA2, screening should start earlier and be more frequent. Men with BRCA2 or a family history should tell their doctor too — they might need exams sooner.

If your doctor sees something suspicious, the usual steps are imaging (diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound) and then a biopsy to confirm whether a lump is cancer. Biopsies sound worse than they are — they’re the only reliable way to know what’s going on.

Treatment depends on type, stage, and personal choices. Options commonly include surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy (like tamoxifen), and targeted drugs for specific tumor types (HER2-positive, for example). Your care team will explain side effects and timelines. Ask directly: what’s the goal, what are the risks, and how will this affect daily life?

There’s growing research on how stress and hormones affect tumor growth. If stress is high, consider practical steps: sleep, routine movement, and talking to a counselor. Our article on stress and cortisol explains how managing stress can be one piece of overall care.

When to act: any new lump, persistent nipple change, or unexplained skin change should prompt a doctor visit. Don’t downplay symptoms because of embarrassment — doctors see this often and can help quickly.

Practical next steps: write down what you noticed and when, bring a photo of the area if helpful, list family history, and book a primary care or breast clinic appointment. If cost or access is a worry, ask the clinic about low-cost screening programs or local support groups.

Facing tests or treatment feels heavy, but modern care is powerful and options are many. Get checked early, ask clear questions, and find a team you trust — that’s the smartest move you can make right now.