Diagnosis
Diagnosing breast cancer can be difficult as some women will experience symptoms while others will not. Regular screenings are vital because many women with early stage breast cancer oftentimes do not experience symptoms.
If something suspicious is found in the breast either as a result of symptoms or from a screening, your physician will recommend next steps to determine if it is breast cancer. Tests may include mammograms or other imaging and biopsies to accurately diagnose breast cancer. If a breast cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the stage and type of the cancer provides a guide to determine the best course of treatment.
For information on how stages are characterized and an overview of treatment options: