Clear answers for every stage of your journey. We provide the
expertise and support you need to navigate breast health with
confidence and equity.
What is cancer?
Cancer is what happens when your body’s cells grow in an uncontrollable way and damages healthy parts.
Normal breast anatomy
What is breast cancer?
Breast cancer is a cancerous tumor that develops from cells in the breast. The most important thing for you to remember is that breast cancer is best treated when found early.
Why does early detection matter?
When breast cancer is found early—before it spreads—survival rates are extremely high. In many cases, early detection can lead to a nearly 100% five-year survival rate.
What are the signs of breast cancer?
Early breast cancer often has no noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
How do I check my breasts at home?
Starting at age 20, you should perform a monthly breast self-exam.
Why does this matter?
A mammogram is a special X-ray that can detect breast cancer before a lump can be felt.
It is one of the most powerful tools for early detection.
A mammogram is a special breast x-ray that can detect most but not all breast cancers. They often can detect cancer even before a lump can be felt. A woman should not ignore something she feels just because her mammogram is normal.
Mammograms may not be as effective in women with dense breasts. A dense breast has more tissue than fat thus making it harder to see cancer on a mammogram.
When should I get a mammogram?
Age 40+: Annual mammograms are recommended
Under 40: Talk to your doctor if you have risk factors
In order to get a mammogram: Many clinics require a referral from a doctor.
Understanding your results
You may need follow-up tests like:
Diagnostic mammogram
Ultrasound
Biopsy (the only way to confirm cancer)
What is a clinical breast exam?
Women should have their breasts checked by a health professional once each year. It is important to remember that most lumps found in the breast are not cancer. However, any lump needs to be checked by a doctor as soon as it is found.
Other tests to detect breast cancer
What should I do if I find a lump?
Your doctor also may want you to have a biopsy. While a mammogram is very helpful in looking for breast cancer, a biopsy is the only way to determine whether a lump in your breast is cancerous. This procedure removes a small amount of tissue that is then tested to see if it is cancer.
If you do not have a doctor, call Equal Hope at (312) 942-3368 for support or these resources listed below:
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
Office of Women’s Health
Illinois Department of Public Health
888-522-1282
Cancer Information Service
800-422-6237
American Cancer Society
800-227-2345
National Cancer Institute
800-422-6237
What if I don’t have a doctor?
Equal Hope can help you:
Find a provider
Schedule screenings
Access care—even without insurance
What increases my risk of breast cancer?
Being a woman
Age
Family history
Genetics
Breast density
Factors you can modify:
Can men get breast cancer?
Yes. While less common, men can develop breast cancer.
Signs/Symptoms:
Risk factors:
Diagnosis
Treatment options
If cancer hasn’t spread:
If cancer has spread:
Good News
Are there disparities in breast cancer outcomes?
Yes, and they are significant.
Why are more minority women dying?
What support does Equal Hope provide?
Equal Hope helps remove barriers to care by:
Your life, and the lives of others, can change with one action.
