At some point, you may have an abnormal finding on a screening mammogram, or you may notice a new lump or change in your breast. If this happens, your doctor will recommend follow-up tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound or breast MRI.

In many cases, these tests can rule out breast cancer. If they can’t, the next step is to have a breast biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to diagnose and confirm breast cancer. During a biopsy, a small sample of cells or tissue is taken from the area that looks suspicious. The sample is then examined under a microscope to check for cancer. Most of the time, biopsy results don’t show breast cancer. But, if a biopsy does find breast cancer, it’s important to know that it can be treated. With standard treatment, most people with early-stage breast cancers have a high chance of survival. If you have breast cancer, it’s helpful to learn about your diagnosis. Since there are different types and stages of breast cancer, your treatment will be tailored to your specific breast cancer. That’s why it’s important to understand the factors that affect your prognosis and treatment, such as hormone receptor status and HER2 status, and the stage of your breast cancer. All of this information will guide your treatment options and will help you and your doctor make decisions together.

Susan G. Komen® offers online resources to help you learn more about your breast cancer diagnosis. Within the Diagnosis section of komen.org, you’ll find information about the types of breast biopsies and what to expect in a pathology report. You’ll also learn about the factors that affect prognosis and treatment and breast cancer staging. Komen also offers free, downloadable educational resources on these topics. Visit komen.org to learn more.