Any new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit, at any age and even in young women, should be seen by a doctor and imaged within a few weeks [4, 5]. Most lumps are not cancer, but in Iran breast cancer occurs at a younger age (mean age about 47) [2] and nearly half of patients are diagnosed at stage 3 or higher [1]. A delay of 3 months or more is linked to lower survival [3].
Key points
- Do not wait for the lump to go away. Show any new lump in the breast or armpit to a doctor within a few weeks [4, 5].
- Being young is no reason to ignore it: the mean age at breast cancer diagnosis in Iranian women is about 47 [2].
- Coming early saves lives: people who delayed 3 months or more had 12% lower 5-year survival [3].
One important step: get checked within a few weeks
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Imaging that suits your age
Under 30, usually ultrasound; 30 to 39, ultrasound and/or mammography; 40 and over, diagnostic mammography (and ultrasound if needed) [4].
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If the imaging is suspicious: a biopsy
A small piece is taken with a needle, guided by ultrasound or mammography, to find out for certain what the lump is [4]. A biopsy does not make cancer spread (read more (Persian)).
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Follow up the result
If the ultrasound is normal or benign, no further imaging is usually needed [4]; but if the lump grows or you notice a new change, go back.
When should you see a doctor sooner?
If you notice any of these, do not wait [5]:
- A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- A change in the size or shape of the breast
- Dimpling, puckering, redness or scaling of the breast skin
- A new change in the shape of the nipple (for example turning inwards) or a discharge that is not milk
See more signs in symptoms of breast cancer (Persian).
Frequently asked questions
I am under 40. Is this really necessary?
Are most lumps cancer?
No. Most breast changes are not cancer, but only a doctor and imaging can tell [5].
Does checking my own breasts help?
In an Iranian study, women who did not know about breast examination were more often diagnosed at an advanced stage [1]. Get to know your breasts so you notice a new change early; this does not replace screening mammography (mammography from what age? (Persian)).
I had a benign lump before. Should I still go?
Yes. In the same study, a history of benign breast disease was linked both to longer delay and to more advanced stage [1], probably because a new lump was assumed to be "like the last one". Have every new lump checked on its own.
Notes for doctors (for physicians)
For physicians
Delay and stage in Iran. Among 725 newly diagnosed patients (Shiraz and Kermanshah, 2017 to 2019), 45.8% were diagnosed at stage 3 or higher and 34% after a delay of more than 3 months. Advanced stage was associated with rural residence (aOR 1.69), delay (aOR 3.25), a history of benign breast disease (aOR 1.94) and unfamiliarity with breast examination (aOR 1.42) [1].
Effect of delay on survival. In a systematic review of 87 studies (101,954 patients), a delay of 3 months or more was associated with 12% lower 5-year survival (OR for death 1.47; 95% CI 1.42 to 1.53) and a delay of 3 to 6 months with 7% lower survival; the effect was mediated by stage progression [3].
Imaging of a palpable mass (ACR 2022). Under 30, ultrasound; 30 to 39, ultrasound, diagnostic mammography or tomosynthesis are all appropriate; 40 and over, diagnostic mammography or tomosynthesis, followed by ultrasound. A BI-RADS 4 or 5 finding requires image-guided biopsy [4]. A palpable mass with negative imaging may still need a biopsy if clinically suspicious [4].
Related cancer types
References
5 referencesShow all referencesClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
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This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 27 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
