---
title: Understanding the Risks, Signs, and Screening for Breast Cancer
description: Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women. Know your risk, recognize the signs, and learn how regular screenings can lead to early detection and better outcomes.
image: https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-27%20at%201.01.24%20PM.jpg
---

[PATIENT PORTAL](https://totalaccess.healthyhumans.com)

[PAY ONLINE](https://www.totalaccessmedical.com/pay-online/)

[![Total Access Medical LLC Logo](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/file-2447450201-png/images/tam-logo.png?width=270&name=tam-logo.png "Total Access Medical LLC Logo")](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/)

≡

- [How We Fit Into Your Life](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/) 
    - [What Is Concierge Medicine?](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/concierge-medicine/)
    - [Member Stories](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/concierge-medical-care-testimonials/)
    - [Doctor Stories](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/boutique-medicine/)
- [About](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/about-concierge-health-services/) 
    - [Founder's Story](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/about-concierge-health-services/concierge-practices-story/)
- [Doctors](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/doctors)
- [Specialties](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/) 
    - [Family Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/main-line-family-medicine/)
    - [Internal Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/internal-medicine-philadelphia/)
    - [Holistic Medicine Integrative Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/holistic-medicine-philadelphia/)
    - [Geriatric Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/geriatric-doctors/)
- [Getting Started](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/getting-started-concierge-care/) 
    - [How TAM Works with Insurance](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/concierge-medicine-and-insurance/)
    - [HSA & FSA](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/explained-fsa-and-hsa-for-concierge-medicine)
    - [FAQ](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/getting-started-concierge-care/faq/)
- [Plans & Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/) 
    - [Individual Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/use-personal-wellness-program-take-care/)
    - [Family Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/concierge-family-medicine-programs/)
    - [Corporate Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/corporate-health-programs/)
    - [Senior Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/boutique-medicine-seniors/)
- [Blog](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog) 
    - [Living Well](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog)
    - [TRANSITIONING TO DPC](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/en/blog-transition)
- Shop

<http://totalaccessmedical.com> [About](http://totalaccessmedical.com/about/) [Blog](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/)

# Total Access Medical - Direct Primary Care Blog

# Understanding the Risks, Signs, and Screening for Breast Cancer

Posted by [Total Access Medical](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/author/total-access-medical) on May 12, 2026

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Screen Shot 2017-06-27 at 1.01.24 PM](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screen%20Shot%202017-06-27%20at%201.01.24%20PM.jpg?width=164&height=307&name=Screen%20Shot%202017-06-27%20at%201.01.24%20PM.jpg)Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women worldwide. In the U.S. alone, about **1 in 8 women** will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. But thanks to increased awareness, better screening, and improved treatments, survival rates continue to rise.

Still, early detection remains key. In honor of National Women’s Health Month, here’s what every woman should know about breast cancer risks, warning signs, and screening guidelines. 

 **What Is Breast Cancer?**

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, often forming a lump or mass. Most breast cancers start in the ducts or lobules—the structures that produce and carry milk.

There are many types of breast cancer, but the most common include:

- **Invasive ductal carcinoma**
- **Invasive lobular carcinoma**
- **Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)**

The sooner it’s found, the more treatable it is.

**Who’s at Risk?**

Every woman is at risk of developing breast cancer, but several factors can increase that risk:

**Age** – Risk increases with age, especially after 50  
**Family history** – A first-degree relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer raises your risk  
**BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations**  
**Early menstruation or late menopause**  
**No pregnancies or late first pregnancy (after age 30)**  
**Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)**  
**Alcohol use and obesity**

That said, **most women diagnosed have no family history**, so regular screening is important for everyone.

**Signs and Symptoms to Watch For**

Breast cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms in the early stages, which is why routine screening is so important. Still, be aware of changes in your body.

**Possible warning signs include:**

- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
- Swelling or dimpling of part of the breast
- Skin irritation or changes in texture (like orange peel skin)
- Nipple discharge (especially bloody)
- Nipple inversion or change in direction
- Pain in the breast that doesn't go away

If you notice anything unusual, **don’t wait—talk to your doctor right away.**

**Screening: When and How Often?**

**Self-Exams**  
Get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. Do monthly self-exams and report any changes to your provider.

**Clinical Breast Exams**  
During your annual physical, your provider should perform a manual breast exam.

**Mammograms**  
A mammogram is an X-ray of the breast and remains the gold standard for early detection.

- **Ages 40–44**: You may begin annual mammograms if you choose
- **Ages 45–54**: Get mammograms every year
- **Ages 55+**: Every 1–2 years depending on your health and preference

**High-Risk Women**  
If you have a strong family history or BRCA mutation, your provider may recommend starting mammograms earlier or adding an annual MRI.

**What About 3D Mammograms or Ultrasound?**

- **3D mammograms (tomosynthesis)** provide more detailed images and are better at detecting cancer in dense breast tissue.
- **Ultrasound** may be used alongside a mammogram if you have dense breasts or a suspicious lump.

**Can Breast Cancer Be Prevented?**

While not all cases are preventable, you can reduce your risk with lifestyle choices:

- Maintain a healthy weight
- Limit alcohol to one drink per day or less
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- Avoid smoking
- If using HRT, do so under close medical supervision

For high-risk women, preventive medications or prophylactic surgery may be recommended.

**Take Charge of Your Breast Health**

Breast cancer is scary—but knowledge is power. The more you understand your risk and take advantage of screening tools, the more control you have over your health.

Don’t wait for a symptom to get checked. **Early detection saves lives.**

---

[![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/383975/00ca31ab-c428-4e7c-b496-e2a751a1e840.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/383975/00ca31ab-c428-4e7c-b496-e2a751a1e840)

- [Transitioning to DPC](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/en/blog-transition)
- [Health](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog)

### Subscribe to Blog

### Posts by Topic

- [Diet (51)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/diet)
- [Healthy Eating (46)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/healthy-eating)
- [Concierge Medicine (43)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/concierge-medicine)
- [Recent Research (41)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/recent-research)
- [Nutrition (38)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/nutrition)
- [Direct Primary Care (37)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/direct-primary-care)
- [Exercise (32)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/exercise)
- [Health (30)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/health)
- [Weight Loss (27)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/weight-loss)
- [Healthcare Today (26)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/healthcare-today)
- [Primary Care Today (25)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/primary-care-today)
- [Wellness (25)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/wellness)
- [Staying Healthy (22)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/staying-healthy)
- [Healthy Mind (20)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/healthy-mind)
- [Cancer (19)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/cancer)
- [Personal Wellness Plan (18)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/personal-wellness-plan)
- [Female Health (16)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/female-health)
- [Breast cancer (15)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/breast-cancer)
- [Physician Shortage (15)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/physician-shortage)
- [Aging (14)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/aging)
- [Executive Health (13)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/executive-health)
- [Heart Health (12)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/heart-health)
- [flu (12)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/flu)
- [prevention (12)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/prevention)
- [Diabetes (11)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/diabetes)
- [Stress Management (11)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/stress-management)
- [brain health (9)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/brain-health)
- [Alzheimer's (7)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/alzheimers)
- [Men's Health (7)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/mens-health)
- [Doctor's Appointments (6)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/doctors-appointments)
- [Elder Care (6)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/elder-care)
- [Healthcare (6)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/healthcare)
- [philadelphia (6)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/philadelphia)
- [Diabetes Management (5)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/diabetes-management)
- [Dr. Daphne Goldberg (5)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/dr-daphne-goldberg)
- [Family Medicine (5)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/family-medicine)
- [Concierge Primary Care Physicians (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/concierge-primary-care-physicians)
- [Dr. David Perkins (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/dr-david-perkins)
- [Dr. Teresa A. Saris (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/dr-teresa-a-saris)
- [Holistic Medicine (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/holistic-medicine)
- [Home Care (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/home-care)
- [Lung Cancer (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/lung-cancer)
- [Summer (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/summer)
- [mental health (4)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/mental-health)
- [Cervical Cancer (3)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/cervical-cancer)
- [Dr. Frank Pettinelli, Jr. (3)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/dr-frank-pettinelli-jr)
- [2018 (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/2018)
- [Chronic Pain (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/chronic-pain)
- [Electronic Medical Records (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/electronic-medical-records)
- [Geriatric Medicine (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/geriatric-medicine)
- [Inflammation (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/inflammation)
- [Safety (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/safety)
- [obesity (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/obesity)
- [smoking (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/smoking)
- [sugar (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/sugar)
- [trends (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/trends)
- [winter (2)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/winter)
- [2017 (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/2017)
- [Arthritis (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/arthritis)
- [CNN (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/cnn)
- [CTE concussion (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/cte-concussion)
- [Chronic Conditions (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/chronic-conditions)
- [Dr. Bruce Sokoloff (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/dr-bruce-sokoloff)
- [FAQ (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/faq)
- [Google (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/google)
- [Insomnia (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/insomnia)
- [Internal Medicine (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/internal-medicine)
- [Recreation (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/recreation)
- [ambulance (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/ambulance)
- [bill gates (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/bill-gates)
- [blood pressure (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/blood-pressure)
- [cold (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/cold)
- [college (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/college)
- [digital (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/digital)
- [disease (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/disease)
- [eagles (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/eagles)
- [emergency room (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/emergency-room)
- [functional medicine (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/functional-medicine)
- [healthcare cost (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/healthcare-cost)
- [heart (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/heart)
- [holiday (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/holiday)
- [hydration (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/hydration)
- [hypertension (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/hypertension)
- [lifestyle (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/lifestyle)
- [new year (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/new-year)
- [pills (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/pills)
- [region (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/region)
- [sensors (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/sensors)
- [snoring (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/snoring)
- [students (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/students)
- [superbowl (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/superbowl)
- [tamiflu (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/tamiflu)
- [thanksgiving (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/thanksgiving)
- [treatment (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/treatment)
- [vaccine (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/vaccine)
- [vitamin b12 (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/vitamin-b12)
- [weather (1)](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/blog/topic/weather)

see all

#### Concierge Programs

- [Individual Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/use-personal-wellness-program-take-care/)
- [Family Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/concierge-family-medicine-programs/)
- [Corporate Programs](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/medical-concierge-services-cater-needs/corporate-health-programs/)
- [How TAM Works With Insurance](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/concierge-medicine-and-insurance/)
- [About Us](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/about-concierge-health-services/)

#### Meet the Doctors

- [Our Doctors](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/doctors)
- [Member Stories](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/concierge-medical-care-testimonials/)
- [Doctor Stories](http://http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-healthcare-fit-life/boutique-medicine/)

#### Specialties

- [Family Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/main-line-family-medicine/)
- [Internal Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/internal-medicine-philadelphia/)
- [Holistic Medicine](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/holistic-medicine-philadelphia/)
- [Geriatrics](http://www.totalaccessmedical.com/concierge-medicine/geriatric-doctors/)

### Newsletter

Copyright © 2026 Total Access Medical, All Rights Reserved.  
 Built by [Bumblebee Media](http://bumblebeemedia.org/)  
[Disclaimer](https://www.totalaccessmedical.com/disclaimer/) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.totalaccessmedical.com/privacy-policy/)

[![icon-linkedin](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/file-2105701761-jpg/Email_Images/icon-linkedin.jpg?width=36&name=icon-linkedin.jpg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/total-access-medical)   [![icon-twitter](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/file-2106151829-jpg/Email_Images/icon-twitter.jpg?width=36&name=icon-twitter.jpg)](https://twitter.com/totalaccessmed)   [![icon-facebook](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/file-2106151824-jpg/Email_Images/icon-facebook.jpg?width=36&name=icon-facebook.jpg)](https://www.facebook.com/TotalAccessMedical)   [![icon-youtube](https://wellness.totalaccessmedical.com/hs-fs/file-2105701741-jpg/Email_Images/icon-youtube.jpg?width=36&name=icon-youtube.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/totalaccessmedical)

![](https://googleads.g.doubleclick.net/pagead/viewthroughconversion/962285871/?value=0&guid=ON&script=0)