Breast health guide
Know your normal. Act on what changes.
Most breast changes are not cancer. Some are, and catching them early gives you more choices.
This guide covers the early warning signs of breast cancer, who carries more risk, how to check yourself and when to get a mammogram.
No insurance? We can help you get screened for free.
Free mammogram supportFor uninsured Virginia women who qualify
Warning signs
Your body sends signals. Learn to read them.
These are the early warning signs of breast cancer doctors want you to report.
What are the early warning signs of breast cancer?
The most common of the early warning signs of breast cancer is a new lump in the breast or underarm. Others include swelling, dimpled skin, redness or flaking near the nipple, a nipple that turns inward, discharge that is not milk and a change in size or shape.
- A new lump in the breast or armpit
- Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
- Skin that dimples or puckers like an orange peel
- Redness or flaky skin on the nipple or breast
- A nipple that pulls in or points a new way
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
- A change in breast size or shape
- Pain in one spot that does not go away
Important to know
Early breast cancer often causes no signs at all. That is why a screening mammogram matters even when you feel fine. If you notice any of these breast cancer warning signs, call a doctor. Do not wait for your next screening.
Talk to your doctorabout any change you notice
Risk factors
Some risks you can't change. Some you can.
Knowing your risk factors tells you how closely to watch for the early warning signs of breast cancer and when to screen.
Who has a higher risk of breast cancer?
Risk rises with age, and most breast cancers are found in women over 50. A mother, sister or daughter with breast cancer, a BRCA gene change, dense breasts and past radiation to the chest also raise your risk.
"My mother had breast cancer."
Family history raises your risk. Tell your doctor, who may suggest screening earlier or more often.
"I'm over 50."
Age is the biggest of the risk factors. Keep your screening on schedule.
"They said I have dense breasts."
Dense tissue can hide cancer on a mammogram. Ask whether a breast ultrasound makes sense for you.
"I want to lower my risk."
Staying active, limiting alcohol and keeping a healthy weight after menopause all help.
Self exam
Five minutes a month. Three simple steps.
A breast self exam helps you learn what is normal for you, so you can spot the early warning signs of breast cancer sooner. It does not replace a mammogram.
Look in the mirror
Arms at your sides, then raised. Look for dimpling, swelling, redness or a change in shape.
Feel while standing
Use the pads of three fingers. Move in small circles over the whole breast and up into the armpit.
Feel while lying down
Put a pillow under one shoulder. Press lightly, then harder, on each spot. Repeat on the other side.
When to check
Try it a few days after your period ends, or on the same date each month after menopause.
Review the warning signs
Screening starts at 40For women at average risk
Screening schedule
Start at 40. Then stay on schedule.
A self exam finds what you can feel. A mammogram finds what you cannot, often before any early warning signs of breast cancer appear.
How often should you get a mammogram?
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends a screening mammogram every other year for women 40 to 74. Women with higher risk factors should ask a doctor about starting earlier or screening more often.
Every other yearScreening mammogram for women 40 to 74 (USPSTF)
Every yearFor women 40 to 64 who qualify for Every Woman's Life
If you qualify for Every Woman's Life, the program covers a yearly mammogram for women 40 to 64, according to the Virginia Department of Health. No insurance? Read how to get a mammogram without insurance.
Mammogram or ultrasound
Two tests. Two different jobs.
Women often ask which test they need. The answer depends on whether you are screening or checking something specific. If you notice any early warning signs of breast cancer, your doctor may order both.
What is the difference between a mammogram and a breast ultrasound?
A mammogram uses a low dose of radiation to picture the breast and is the standard screening test. A breast ultrasound uses sound waves. Doctors usually use it for a closer look at a lump or dense tissue, not as a screening test on its own.
Mammogram
Best for routine screening. It can find changes too small to feel, including tiny calcium spots.
Routine screeningBreast ultrasound
Best for checking a lump. It shows whether a lump is solid or filled with fluid, and it uses no radiation.
Checking a lumpCommon questions
Quick answers about breast health.
Need help paying for a mammogram?
EAESSI helps uninsured women 39 to 64 check eligibility and apply for a free screening.
Is breast pain a sign of cancer?
Pain alone is rarely one of the early warning signs of breast cancer. It is often linked to hormones. If pain stays in one spot or comes with a lump, see a doctor.
Are most breast lumps cancer?
No. Most lumps are cysts or other harmless breast changes. A doctor still needs to check every new lump.
How often should I do a breast self exam?
Once a month is a good habit. What matters most is knowing your normal and reporting changes.
When should I get my first mammogram?
At 40 for women at average risk. Earlier if your doctor says your risk is high.
Is an ultrasound better than a mammogram?
Not for routine screening. A breast ultrasound adds detail after a mammogram or exam finds something.
Where can I get a free mammogram in Virginia?
Through Every Woman's Life if you qualify. EAESSI helps uninsured women 39 to 64 check eligibility and apply.
Free screening help
Know your normal. Book the screening you have been putting off.
For uninsured women in Virginia who qualify.
About EAESSI
Evelyn Ancrum Education Support Systems (EAESSI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Spotsylvania, Virginia. We help uninsured women get breast screenings and help Virginia students pay for college.
General educational information
This guide is for general education. It does not replace advice from your doctor. Screening guidance on this page comes from these sources: