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Frequently Asked Questions - General

What is breast cancer? Breast cancer occurs when a malignant tumor forms in the breast tissue. The cancer can be found in the breast itself or in the ducts and lymph nodes that surround the breast.

Why should I perform a regular breast self-exam? Doing a breast self-exam may help a woman detect a lump that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, most health organizations currently recommend clinical breast exams done by a doctor or trained expert, or mammograms, as the most reliable tools for detecting breast cancer.

What happens during a clinical breast exam? During a clinical breast exam, a health care professional checks the breasts and underarms for lumps or other changes that could be a sign of breast cancer. The doctor can tell a lot about a lump by carefully feeling it and the tissue around it. Benign lumps often feel different from cancerous ones.