I Am Concerned I May Have Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Pathway Overview:
This CancerMap explains next steps after someone experiences new breast symptom, breast changes, or has aabnormal screening test, including practical suggestions from patients, support people, and healthcare professionals.
Breast cancer can present in many different ways. Some people are diagnosed after noticing a lump, skin change, or new symptom, while others learn about a concern after an abnormal screening test such as a mammogram. Not every breast change is cancer, and further testing is often needed to understand what is causing a new concern.
There are lots of things that can be confused with breast cancer. For instance, normal hormonal changes in breast tissue, infections, cysts, and auto-immune conditions, can all mimic breast cancer. Until a biopsy has been performed and results have confirmed the diagnosis, it is difficult to be certain whether breast cancer is present.
When a new breast concern appears, it can be stressful. While it can be tempting to ignore a new lump, breast change, or abnormal test result, getting it checked is important. Many breast concerns are not cancer, but some require treatment. Addressing new concerns early can help ensure that appropriate testing and care happen as soon as possible.
Your healthcare provider will help you figure out what steps to take next. When you bring up a new breast concern, your healthcare provider will usually ask questions about what you noticed, examine the area, and discuss possible next steps. Depending on the concern, the next step may be to monitor a new change for a short period of time, repeat an examination, or order imaging such as a mammogram or ultrasound to better understand what is causing the concern. Sometimes a concern resolves on its own, while other times more testing is needed.
A biopsy is often needed to diagnose breast cancer. Imaging tests such as mammograms and ultrasounds can help identify areas of concern, but a biopsy — where a small piece of tissue is removed — is often needed to confirm whether cancer is present and help determine what treatments may work best. Not everyone will need the same tests, and the order of testing may vary depending on what is found along the way.
Your primary healthcare provider can help you navigate what comes next. Once results are available, your healthcare provider will review them with you and discuss what they mean. If cancer is diagnosed, you may be referred to a surgeon or cancer specialist to discuss treatment options and next steps. If cancer is not found, you and your healthcare provider may decide whether follow-up or repeat testing is needed, or whether no further investigations are required. Knowing what to expect ahead of time may help you feel more prepared for what comes next..
A new breast concern can feel stressful and uncertain, especially when you do not yet know what is causing it. The suggestions below come from patients, support people, and healthcare professionals with experience navigating concerns about possible breast cancer. While not every suggestion will fit every situation, many people find it helpful to know what challenges may come up and what may help them navigate this process.
Get a new breast concern checked. Most new breast concerns are not cancer, but it is important to understand what is causing a new change. Getting concerns checked early can help ensure that appropriate testing happens if needed.
"I felt a lump and didn't think much of it. I was busy with life. When life slowed down, I remembered the lump—10 months after I first noticed it. By then it had grown larger, and I could feel a very large node in my armpit."
— Breast cancer contributor
Try to get appointments as early as you reasonably can. Re-arranging your schedule for medical appointments can be frustrating, and many people are used to putting other priorities such as work and family before their own health. But addressing a possible cancer diagnosis is serious and multiple delays can add up to make a meaningful difference. Take the soonest appointment you can for investigations, procedures, or to meet with medical professionals. If you have been given an appointment but you feel the wait is to long, call and ask for a sooner appointment and to be put on cancellation wait list. If you have been referred for a test or to a specialist and are experiencing delays, your family physician may be able to advocate for an earlier appointment on your behalf.
Bring a support person. Whether you are going for imaging or an appointment, a support person can sometimes make the experience feel more manageable. They may help take notes, help with transportation, or provide emotional support if difficult information comes up.
If your concern isn’t addressed, get a second opinion. Even the best healthcare professionals can miss a diagnosis. If you have a concern that you don’t feel has been properly addressed, it is okay to seek another opinion. If you have brought up a new breast lump or other symptom that you are concerned about with your physician or nurse practitioner and you are unconcerned that it hasn’t been adequately assessed, it is okay to let them know that you are still concerned and you would like a more careful evaluation. If you feel like something is being missed, another option is going to a walk-in clinic for an evaluation from a different clinician.
Focus on one step at a time. When dealing with a new health concern, it is easy to imagine all the possibilities of what could happen. Focusing on the next step that needs to happen — rather than every possible future outcome — can help make the experience feel more manageable.
Arrange an appointment to discuss a new breast concern. Most new breast concerns are not cancer, but it is important to understand what is causing a new change. In general, a new concern that does not quickly resolve should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Generally, if you are otherwise well they should be checked out within 1-2 weeks and an urgent medical appointment is not necessary. Going to a walk-in clinic to get checked out is a good idea if you are not able to see your regular primary care provider within a few weeks.
Remember that many breast concerns are not cancer. There are many things besides cancer that can cause changes in the breast. At the same time, it is important not to ignore a new change. If it is cancer, many breast cancers are highly treatable, especially when found early.
Find healthy ways to deal with stress.Waiting for appointments or results can feel stressful. While getting a new breast concern assessed is important, it may not make the waiting easier. Consider healthy ways to manage stress, such as going for a walk, talking with a trusted friend, or trying yoga or meditation. Some people also find reducing caffeine or alcohol helpful during stressful periods.
Trusted Resources on This Topic:
Symptoms of Breast Cancer - Content from the Canadian Cancer Society
About Breast Cancer - Content From Alberta Health Services
Related Topics You May Be Wondering About
Cancer and Work - Content from McGill University, Montreal Canada
Understanding Your Lab Test Results - Content from the American Cancer Society
Coping With Anxiety and Stress - Content from the Canadian Cancer Society
Research Related to This Topic
Educational resources can help you understand the cancer journey. People can help you navigate it. While online resources can be valuable, sometimes the most helpful support comes from another person.
Your healthcare team is often a good place to start. Many communities also offer cancer navigators, counsellors, peer supporters, and other services that can provide guidance, support, and practical assistance.
Explore the CancerMaps Real-People Resources Directory to find organizations that can connect you with navigators, counsellors, peer supporters, and other people who can help.
First Published: June 8, 2026
Initial Development: Content based on a data collected and analyzed as part of the CancerMaps research project. Iteratively reviewed with study participants until content and study results finalized.
Date Reviewed: No formal review/update has take place to date.
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