Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women

Does your breast look or feel different? Were you told that your mammogram is abnormal? Did you find a lump? Then call your health care provider and make an appointment. In the meantime, use this booklet to learn more.

What are breast changes?

Many breast changes are changes in how your breast or nipple looks or feels. You may notice a lump or firmness in your breast or under your arm. Or perhaps the size or shape of your breast has changed. Your nipple may be pointing or facing inward (inverted) or feeling tender. The skin on your breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. You may have nipple discharge, which is an abnormal fluid coming from the nipple.If you have these or other breast changes, talk with your health care provider to get these changes checked as soon as possible.

This booklet can help you take these steps:

• Call your health care provider to make an appointment as soon as you notice any breast changes.
• Go back to see your health care provider if your mammogram result is abnormal.
• Get all of the follow-up tests and care that your health care provider asks you to. It may be helpful to bring this booklet with you.

It discusses breast changes that are not cancer (benign), as well as changes that are abnormal or could be signs of cancer. Feel free to read different sections in this booklet as you need them. The “Words to know” section in the back of this booklet defines words that are shown in bold the first time they are used.