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Breast cancer: Early detection can save lives

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Get screened
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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfMQSA/mqsa.cfm
Visit the FDA database to search for mammography facilities
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Search for clinical trials
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https://trials.lilly.com/en-US/research-areas/cancer/breast-cancer#about-our-breast-cancer-trials
Search for breast cancer clinical trials
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Quick Links
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Understanding symptoms
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#symptoms
Learn how to screen
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#selfcheck
Explore well-being
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https://www.lilly.com/find-care/well-being/condition/cancer
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When found early, breast cancer has a 99% 5-year survival rate, and regular screenings can reduce deaths by 26%.
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Women over 40 can usually get a mammogram without a referral—and most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover it at no cost. If you're not insured or your plan doesn’t cover it, free or low-cost options may be available through the CDC.

Visit breastcancer.org to find a mammogram location and explore helpful resources, or check the CDC’s screening program for affordable options near you.

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Visit breastcancer.org
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https://www.breastcancer.org/screening-testing/mammograms
Visit breastcancer.org to find a mammogram location and explore helpful resources
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Visit the CDC
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https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cervical-cancer-screening/about/screenings.html
Check the CDC’s screening program for affordable options near you
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Non-invasive breast cancer
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BREAST CANCER SYMPTOMS

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Early clues your body might be giving you

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Breast cancer symptoms can be different for everyone. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor right away.
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Early signs and symptoms may include:
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  • New lumps in breast or armpit
  • Swelling or thickened areas in the breast
  • Nipple or skin changes (dimpling, redness, flaking) in the breasts
  • Changes in the breast size or shape
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symptoms
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RISK FACTORS

What can raise your risk?

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Some things can make breast cancer more likely. Learn about the main risk factors below.
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Family and genetic history

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Having family members with breast cancer, carrying genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2, having dense breast tissue, starting your period early, or going through menopause late all increase your risk.
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Pregnancy and hormone history

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Your risk increases if you had your first baby after age 30, never had children, didn't breastfeed, or used birth control pills or hormone replacement therapy for long periods.
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Lifestyle

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Being inactive, carrying extra weight (especially after menopause), drinking alcohol, smoking, and exposure to chemicals—like those in some plastics, personal care products, and pesticides—can raise your risk.
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Medical and work factors

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Previous cancer treatments, radiation therapy to the chest, working night shifts for many years, and taking certain long-term medications increase your breast cancer risk.
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A tool to help you stay on top of your breast health

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Know Your Lemons® has a free app that sends you reminders to check your breasts, gives you step-by-step guides made just for you, and makes it simple to schedule your mammogram appointment.
Learn more
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https://www.knowyourlemons.org/app
Learn more about Know Your Lemons
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MYTHS VS FACTS
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Breaking down common myths about breast cancer

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There is so much information out there about breast cancer these days, however, there are still a lot of common misconceptions. Let’s explore some common myths about breast cancer.
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Myth No. 1
"Only women can get breast cancer."
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Fact
Though it is rare, men can develop breast cancer too. Less than 1% of breast cancer cases are men.
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Myth No. 2
"A lump is the only symptom."
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Fact
In addition to lumps, breast cancer has other signs including skin changes in the breast, nipple discharge, and pain.
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Myth No. 3
"Family history is the primary risk factor"
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Fact
Most breast cancer cases actually occur in individuals without a family history. Other risk factors include age, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.
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Myth No. 4
"Mammograms are always accurate."
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Fact
Mammograms are essential for screening, but may always be accurate. You might need additional tests like ultrasound, MRI or biopsy to confirm results.
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Myth No. 5
"Breast cancer always requires a mastectomy."
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Fact
There are a lot of different treatment types, depending on the individual case. Options include lumpectomy, mastectomy, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapeutics.
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Myth No. 6
"Chemotherapy is the only systemic treatment."
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Fact
Systemic treatments for breast cancer include chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy (for example, HER2 inhibitors), and immunotherapy.
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Myth No. 7
"All breast cancer patients respond similarly to treatment."
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Fact
Each person responds differently to treatments. It is important to personalize treatment for the best options and outcomes.
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DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER
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Take your health into your own hands. Start with a self-check.

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Checking for breast cancer can help find it before there are symptoms. It is important to get regular screenings to find any problems early. Below are a few types of screenings and how frequently you should do them:
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Self-screen regularly
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It's important to be familiar with your own breasts. Knowing how they look and feel can help you identify changes. If you notice anything concerning you should discuss with your doctor.

Visit breastcancer.org for instructions on how to give yourself a self exam or visit the National Breast Cancer Foundation for a video on how to give yourself a self exam.

Exams during your annual doctor's appointment
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Your doctor or nurse may complete a clinical breast exam to feel for lumps or other changes during routine appointments.
Mammograms every 2 years for women 40+
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A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast and is one of the best ways to detect breast cancer. The FDA has a database to help you find an FDA-approved facility.

Search the FDA database

MRIs as needed
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A breast MRI is another screening test that can be done. It's less common but may be used if someone has dense breast tissue or is at a higher risk of having breast cancer.
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selfcheck
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Steps to a breast cancer diagnosis
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If you notice a change during a self-check, experience symptoms, or your doctor finds something during a routine exam, these are examples of typical steps and tests your doctor may recommend to help diagnose breast cancer. Not all experiences are the same and may vary.
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FIRST
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Breast exam by your doctor
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Your doctor will check for lumps or changes in breast tissue.
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NEXT
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Imaging tests
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You may have a mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI to look more closely at any changes.
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THEN
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Biopsy
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If needed, a small sample of tissue is taken to check for cancer cells.
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Lab tests
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Tests help identify the cancer type and whether it has spread, guiding your treatment plan.
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Common treatment options

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Breast cancer can be treated in different ways. The treatment you get depends on the type of breast cancer and if it has spread. Common treatments include:

  • Surgery: Removes the cancer from your body.
  • Chemotherapy: Special medicine to kill cancer cells.
  • Radiation therapy: Uses energy to destroy cancer cells.
  • Hormonal therapy: Blocks hormones that help cancer grow.
  • Biological therapy: Helps your immune system fight cancer.
  • Targeted medicines: Go after specific cancer cells.

Your doctor will help you choose the best treatment for you. You might get more than one kind of treatment. Ask your doctor about any risks or side effects.

Learn more about Lilly's FDA-approved treatment option for breast cancer.

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Explore a Lilly medicine
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https://verzenio.lilly.com/
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Explore clinical trial opportunities

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We are dedicated to making cancer clinical trials more accessible. These trials often offer investigational medicines and help advance cancer research. Qualifying participants get care from a dedicated team of doctors and nurses involved in the study.
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Explore Lilly cancer clinical trials
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https://trials.lilly.com/en-US/research-areas/cancer/breast-cancer
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Explore Lilly cancer clinical trials
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https://trials.lilly.com/en-US/find?condition=Cancer&x_st=1&utm_source=lilly&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ue-condition&utm_content=cancer-empower-clinical-trials
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Oncology on Canvas

Your story matters: a creative outlet for patients, their loved ones, and their care teams.

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For two decades, Oncology on Canvas® has provided people in the cancer community with an opportunity to share their stories through art and narrative. The program is a partnership between Lilly, the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship and the Cancer Support Community.

The program encourages submissions of all types, including poetry, watercolor, oil and acrylic painting, pastels, photography, and mixed media artwork.

You don't have to be a professional artist to experience the power of creative expression.

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View full art gallery
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https://www.looc.lillyoncology.com/?utm_source=lilly&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ue-condition&utm_content=cancer-empower-view-full-art-gallery
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Share your story
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https://www.myregistrationc.com/OncologyOnCanvas/ArtExhibition
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[The World] A Little Different Through My Eyes Now
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Photograph of a painting titled: [The World] A Little Different Through My Eyes Now. The painting visually represents trees and an orange sky with clouds.
Renewal
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Photograph of a painting titled: Renewal. The painting visually represents a person sitting in a chair and looking out towards a body of water.
Free
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Photograph of a painting titled: Free. The painting visually represents a horse.
Getting Back in the Water
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Photograph of a painting titled: Getting Back in the Water. The painting visually represents a person dipping their foot into water.
Free Fall
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Photograph of a painting titled: Free Fall. The painting visually represents trees and an orange sky with clouds. The painting is an abstract painting using acrylic paint.
Numerator VII
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Photograph of a painting titled: Numerator VII. The painting is an abstract painting using oil paint.
Peace in the Valley
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Photograph of a painting titled: Peace in the Valley. The painting visually represents a valley.
Free/Released
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Photograph of a painting titled: Free/Released. The painting visually represents red poppy flowers.
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Oncology on Canvas® is a registered trademark owned or licensed to Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
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WELL-BEING
Health is more than a prescription
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Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health. That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep, food, movement, connection, and stress management for those living with cancer.
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All Pillars
All Pillars
Connection
Connection
Food
Food
Movement
Movement
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Sleep
Stress Management
Stress Management
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All Pillars
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Connection
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Sleep
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Stress Management
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