For individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or caring for someone affected, you’re likely familiar with some aspects of this complex condition. However, breast cancer varies widely, with numerous factors influencing how it affects people.

Below are seven lesser-known facts about breast cancer that can broaden your understanding and support informed conversations about treatment options.

1. Not Everyone With Breast Cancer Finds a Lump

Many people associate breast cancer with finding a lump, but early stages of breast cancer may not always present this way. Instead, you might notice other symptoms. Contact your doctor for a breast cancer screening, either a mammogram or ultrasound, if you notice any of these signs:

• Changes in the shape, size, or contours of your breast
• Skin discoloration on your breast or nipple
• Nipple discharge, particularly if it’s bloody
• A hard area under the skin that feels like a marble

About one-third of women diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer live longer than five years, and some are living 10 years or more.

Keep in mind that finding a breast lump doesn’t mean you have cancer. Benign (noncancerous) masses may be a cyst or dense breast tissue that’s thicker in one area of the breast. Remember, early detection can save your life, so if you spot anything suspicious or experience pain in your breast, don’t ignore it. Contact your doctor so you can discuss your symptoms, family history, and any other issues that may contribute to breast cancer risk factors.

Read more about potential symptoms of breast cancer.

2. Men Can Develop Breast Cancer

According to American Cancer Society estimates for 2024, about 2,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in U.S. men and 530 will die from breast cancer. The risk of a breast cancer diagnosis is 1 in 726 during the course of a man’s lifetime, according to the nonprofit. Men have a higher risk for developing breast cancer if they’ve inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations (variations) from their parents, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

Other factors may also increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including testicular injuries, swelling in the testicles, and surgery to remove the testicles.

Breast cancer risk increases for people who have relatives with the disease. Discuss your family history of breast cancer with your health care provider and ask about genetic testing to learn if you have certain mutations. If you decide to get genetic testing, ask your doctor for a referral to a genetic counselor so all your questions can be answered.

Men can develop the same common types of breast cancer as those diagnosed in women.

3. Breast Cancer Risk May Rise With Body Weight

Having a higher body mass index (BMI) score may increase the risk of developing breast cancer, particularly after menopause. BMI is a tool that uses your height and weight to classify your body mass. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight, while 30 or higher is classified as obese.

According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, “Women who are overweight or obese before menopause have a 10 percent to 20 percent lower risk of breast cancer than those who are lean.” However, postmenopausal women who are overweight or obese have a 20 percent to 60 percent higher breast cancer risk than women who have a lower BMI, according to the nonprofit. Most breast cancer diagnoses occur following menopause.

Maintaining a healthy weight can potentially lower your risk of breast cancer — but doing so will not completely eliminate the risk of breast cancer. If you need guidance on diet changes that may lower your risk for cancer, speak with your doctor and get a referral to meet with a dietitian.

Note that your weight is only one of many factors that influence whether you get breast cancer or if it relapses (returns after treatment). There are many other potential risk factors, and it’s possible to develop the condition even if you have none of them. If you’re concerned, talk to your oncologist about your risk factors today to find out more about your personal level of risk and how to lower it.

4. Alcohol Consumption May Be Linked to Breast Cancer

Studies suggest that alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Studies have indicated that moderate alcohol consumption is connected to a 30 percent to 50 percent increase in breast cancer risk. “Moderate” consumption refers to drinking between 15 and 30 grams (one or two drinks) of alcohol daily.

Studies show that drinking one or two alcoholic beverages daily can raise the risk for developing breast cancer.

Research shows that ethanol in alcoholic drinks can damage both DNA and proteins. In addition, alcohol may impair how the body uses nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and carotenoids. Alcohol can also increase the blood levels of estrogen, which can be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.

If you’re concerned about whether drinking alcohol may be raising your risk for developing breast cancer or having a relapse, talk to your health care provider.

5. Monthly Breast Self-Exams May Not Be Necessary

Health experts once recommended monthly breast self-exams to detect breast cancer, but current guidelines suggest this may not be necessary for most people. The American Cancer Society no longer recommends self-exams in routine cancer for people at average risk. As part of its recommendation, the organization notes there’s no evidence that regular breast self-exams can help reduce breast-cancer related deaths. The organization does encourage people to be aware of any noticeable changes in their breasts.

Experts disagree about whether monthly breast self-exams help reduce breast cancer deaths.

Not all experts agree on the benefits of breast self-exams as a part of breast cancer screening. However, health care professionals believe there is value in being familiar with your own breasts. If you’re unsure whether you may benefit from self-exams, or if you notice any changes to your breasts, you should speak with your doctor.

6. It’s Possible To Live for Years With Stage 4 Breast Cancer

Thanks to recent advances in breast cancer treatment, people are living longer with stage 4 (metastatic) breast cancer. About one-third of women who have been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer live longer than five years, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., and some are living 10 years or more.

New treatments are more effective at fighting breast cancer after cancer cells have metastasized (spread) from the breast to other parts of the body. While stage 4 breast cancer still isn’t curable, it's something that can often be treated. Many researchers believe that people will continue to live longer with stage 4 breast cancer as treatments advance even more.

7. Some Forms of HRT Don’t Raise the Risk for Breast Cancer

In 2002, research linked hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with a higher risk of breast cancer. This kind of hormone therapy, often taken to relieve menopause symptoms, is different from hormone therapy used to treat breast cancer.

Whether HRT raises a person’s risk for breast cancer depends on several factors, including:

• The type of hormones used
• The dosage
• The age when HRT is started
• How long HRT is used

If you’re considering HRT to manage menopause symptoms, talk to your gynecologist about the best options for you. If you have a history of breast cancer, make sure your doctor is aware, so they can provide the most appropriate guidance for your situation.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyBCTeam is the social network for people with breast cancer and their loved ones. On MyBCTeam, more than 73,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with breast cancer.

Were you aware of all of these breast cancer facts? Do you have more to add? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.