That thought can make it easy to put off a call. But a new lump or unfamiliar swelling deserves attention—even when it’s painless.
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember: breast cancer can cause a painless lump. Changes may also appear as swelling in the breast or underarm. Pain alone cannot tell you whether a lump is serious.
Most lumps are harmless. Still, an unfamiliar lump in your breast, neck, underarm, or elsewhere is worth discussing with your medical team—especially if it grows or persists. Any new breast or underarm lump should be checked.
Know your normal. Notice changes. Speak up. Contact your healthcare provider about a new concern instead of waiting for pain or your next routine screening.
Breast Cancer Survival Rates by Stage
According to the National Cancer Institute’s SEER data, five-year relative survival rates for female breast cancer diagnosed during 2016–2022 are:
| Stage at diagnosis | Five-year relative survival |
| Localized: Cancer is confined to the breast. | 100.0% |
| Regional: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. | 87.5% |
| Distant: Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body. | 33.8% |
These statistics use SEER summary stages, which differ from stages I–IV. Relative survival accounts for deaths from other causes. These are population estimates, not a prediction of an individual’s outcome or a guarantee of cure—even when the rate is 100%. Outcomes vary with cancer subtype, treatment, and other factors.
Don’t Forget to Review All Steps
🔹 Step 1: Signs & Symptoms
Learn which changes deserve attention.
🔹 Step 2: Body Monitoring
Become familiar with your body and notice unfamiliar changes.
🔹 Step 3: Family History
Chart your biological family’s cancer history and share it with your medical team.
🔹 Step 4: Medical Team
Have a trusted healthcare provider you can contact when something changes.
🔹 Step 5: Screening & Testing
Work with your medical team to establish a screening schedule suited to you.
A painless change is still a change. Make the call.