BREAST CANCER 101
Whether you’re approaching the topic of breast cancer for the first time or wanting to grow your knowledge, you’re in the right place. Breast Cancer 101 breaks down the basics–who it affects, what symptoms to watch for, and how early detection can save lives. Knowledge is power!
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Anyone can get breast cancer. We all have breast tissue, which means we all have some level of risk.
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There’s no exact age when the risk of breast cancer begins to become a concern or when you should start doing a breast self-check, but doctors typically recommend starting around 20. However, it’s a great idea to become familiar with your body from a young age so you can recognize what’s normal for you.text goes here
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Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the U.S., with an estimated 316,950 new cases in women and 2,800 in men expected in 2025. That means about 1 in 8 women will face a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime, while for men, it’s about 1 in 726. Breast cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, which is why early detection and regular screenings are so important. ription text goes here
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Breast cancer can’t be entirely prevented, but there’s a lot you can do to lower your risk and take action when it comes to your health. Learn more about natural risk factors that increase your breast cancer risk and ways you can lower your risk.
Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may not experience any obvious signs. That’s why it’s important to know what to look for and to be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Catching changes early and taking action by speaking up about them with a healthcare professional can be lifesaving and empowering.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer:
A new lump in the breast or underarm (armpit)
Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
Irritation or dimpling of breast skin (like an orange peel texture)
Redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or the breast
Pulling in of the nipple or pain in the nipple area
Nipple discharge (other than breast milk), including blood
Any change in the size or shape of the breast
Pain in any area of the breast
Swelling or a lump in the underarm area
Changes in skin texture or appearance (e.g., puckering or indentations)
Less Common but Possible Symptoms:
Swelling in or around the collarbone or chest wall
Itchy, scaly sore or rash on the nipple
A breast that looks noticeably different from the other
Nipple turning inward (inversion) if that’s not usual for you
Sources: CDC, National Breast Cancer Foundation
👉Do you have concerns about your boobs? Take note in the Keep A Breast App of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you’re located here in the U.S. or in Mexico, get connected directly with a healthcare professional in the app through our partners. We’re here for you! 💖
Early Detection Is The Best Prevention
We encourage everyone to “know your normal,” meaning what your chest normally feels like, to be aware of any changes that may occur. Not all changes mean breast cancer, but it’s important to have that baseline knowledge of your body so you can notice changes more easily and take action by reaching out to a healthcare professional.
Learn how to do a breast self-exam at home and set up monthly reminder notifications so you never miss a check with the Keep A Breast App.
Breast Cancer Stages
We strongly believe that early detection can save your life, but what if you get diagnosed with breast cancer? Understanding the stages of breast cancer can help you stay informed and have a better understanding of what’s happening in your body.
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Stage 0 describes non-invasive breast cancers. There is no evidence of cancer cells invading tissue.
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Stage I describes invasive breast cancer in which the tumor measures up to 2 centimeters. No lymph nodes are involved at this stage.
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Stage II is divided into subcategories known as IIA and IIB.
IIA: Stage IIA describes invasive breast cancer in which: No tumor can be found in the breast, but cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes. The tumor measures 2 centimeters or less and has spread to the lymph nodes. The tumor is from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters and has not spread to the lymph nodes.
IIB: Stage IIB describes invasive breast cancer in which: The tumor is from 2 centimeters to 5 centimeters and has spread to the lymph nodes. The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters but has not spread to the lymph nodes.
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Stage III is divided into subcategories known as IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.
IIIA: Stage IIIA describes invasive breast cancer in which: No tumor is found in the breast. Cancer is found in lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone. The tumor is 5 centimeters or smaller and has spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures. The tumor is larger than 5 centimeters and has spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures.
IIIB: Stage IIIB describes invasive breast cancer in which: The tumor may be any size and has spread to the chest wall and/or skin of the breast. The tumor may have spread to lymph nodes that are clumped together or sticking to other structures, or cancer may have spread to lymph nodes near the breastbone.
IIIC: Stage IIIC describes invasive breast cancer in which: There may be no sign of cancer in the breast or, if there is a tumor, it may be any size and may have spread to the chest wall and/or the skin of the breast. The cancer has spread to lymph nodes above or below the collarbone. The cancer may have spread to lymph nodes or to lymph nodes near the breastbone.
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Stage IV describes invasive breast cancer in which the cancer has spread to other organs — usually the lungs, liver, bone, or brain.
Breast Cancer & Health Community Resources
Support & Community For Young Adult Patients
These organizations center on the unique experiences of young people diagnosed with or at risk for breast cancer.
Young Survival Coalition - education, support networks, and advocacy for people diagnosed under 40
Stupid Cancer - supporting adolescents and young adults with cancer with resources, events, and peer connection
The Breasties - a community for breast and gynecologic cancer survivors, previvors, thrivers, and caregivers offering free retreats, meetups, and online support
Live & Let - supports young women impacted by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer through peer connections, education, and events.
Financial & Treatment Assistance
These resources help patients manage treatment costs, medication access, and insurance navigation.
Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) - assistance with insurance access, job retention, and financial assistance for patients with chronic, life-threatening illnesses
PAN Foundation - financial assistance to underinsured patients for out-of-pocket medical costs related to serious illnesses including breast cancer
Medicine Assistance Tool (MAT) - helps connect patients with programs that provide free or low-cost prescription medicines
Metastatic & Long-Term Support
METAvivor - Funds research for metastatic breast cancer and offers advocacy, awareness campaigns, and support for people living with Stage IV
Body Autonomy & Reconstruction Choices
These organizations advocate for informed decision-makingdecision making and patient-centered care around reconstruction
Not Putting On A Shirt - advocacy group supporting flat closure surgery that provides education and empowerment
Flat Closure Now - resource and advocacy platform focused on educatingeducation patients and providers about aesthetic flat closure surgery as a valid reconstructive option
Still - Still is an Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC) advocacy project that creates awareness of AFC as a mastectomy reconstruction choice and promotes flat visibility and body positivity
Digital Tools & Peer Support
OncoPower - digital health app offering peer support, medical Q & A, treatment trackers, and wellness resources for patients and survivors
One Huddle - same-day answers to pressing questions about breast cancer
Prevention & Environmental Advocacy
Breast Cancer Prevention Partners - science-based advocacy, education, and public policy change around eliminating toxic chemicals and environmental exposures linked to breast cancer
Pink Lotus Power Up - breast cancer education, prevention, and support for women at high risk or affected by breast cancer. Includes community forums, dashboards, preventative recipes, and more… co-founded by Dr. Kristi Funk
