How Long Can Breast Cancer Go Undetected?

Cancer is a serious health issue that can remain undetected for months or even years. While there is no definitive answer to the question of how long breast cancer can go unnoticed, some types of cancer can form and grow without detection for up to 10 years. Early detection is key when it comes to successful treatment, so it's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to get regular screenings. Many women diagnosed with

breast cancer

never have any signs or symptoms, and their cancer is detected during a mammogram.

To stay safe from the coronavirus, many people have postponed their annual screenings and checkups where cancers are usually detected. However, early detection is one of the best weapons against the disease. Women should be aware of any new lumps, dimples, discoloration, changes around the nipple, or unusual discharge that they didn't have before. Although most

breast cancer

occurs in women, men can also develop it.

If you're concerned about any new breast changes, ask your doctor to review your symptoms and determine if further evaluation is needed. By the time you can feel it, the breast tumor is usually a little more than half an inch (about one-third the size of a golf ball). Mammograms (low-dose breast x-rays) can help detect a breast tumor long before it is large enough to start causing symptoms and when the cancer is likely to be easier to treat. If a woman finds a hard lump in her breast, the doctor usually requests a mammogram, breast ultrasound, or breast biopsy to determine if it is breast cancer or not.

However, sometimes this doesn't happen and the doctor doesn't diagnose breast cancer. Angiosarcoma can cause changes in the skin of the breast, such as the appearance of purple nodules that resemble a bruise. There are no regular screening guidelines for some types of cancer, and symptoms may not appear until the cancer is in its advanced stages. A painless lump in the breast is often the first sign of breast cancer, although you may not feel it.

Regular mammograms are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early. However, mammograms alone cannot detect all cases of breast cancer, so it's important to pay attention to changes in your breasts since you know your body better than anyone else. The symptoms of

breast cancer

can vary from person to person, and some types of breast cancer have no obvious symptoms. It's important to be aware of any changes in your breasts and to get regular screenings so that any potential issues can be caught early on.

Early detection is key when it comes to successful treatment options for breast cancer.

Tonya Sharrai
Tonya Sharrai

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