[Peace of Mind] How is Breast Cancer Diagnosed? – A Simple Guide to the Diagnostic Process

Hello!
In this article, we’ll explain the process of breast cancer diagnosis in the simplest way possible.

Breast cancer is a disease that many women may face in their lifetime. But it’s natural to feel anxious and wonder,
“What happens if it’s found?” or “What kinds of tests are involved in the diagnosis?”

The truth is, diagnosing breast cancer involves a step-by-step process of careful examination.
We’ll walk you through the entire flow of diagnosis, and at the end, we’ve included a helpful flowchart to make everything clearer.

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■ Start with a Self-Check!

Early detection of breast cancer often begins with you.
If you notice any of the following changes, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.

✅ Self-Check Points

• A lump in the breast
• Nipple discharge (especially if bloody)
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
• Inverted nipple

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■ How Diagnosis is Done at the Hospital

1. Visual and Physical Examination

The doctor will first examine the breasts and feel the lymph nodes around the armpit.

2. Imaging Tests

Next, imaging tests will be done to take a closer look inside the breast.

• Mammography: Uses X-rays to detect calcifications or lumps. Recommended especially for women over 40.
• Ultrasound (Sonogram): Suitable for younger women or those with dense breast tissue.
• MRI: Used when a more detailed view is needed.

3. Biopsy (Tissue Examination)

If something suspicious is found on imaging, the next step is to collect actual cells or tissue for analysis.

• Core Needle Biopsy: Tissue is taken from the lump under local anesthesia.
• Fine Needle Aspiration: A simpler test to collect cells using a thinner needle.

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■ If Breast Cancer is Confirmed: Checking How Far It Has Progressed

If you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, additional tests are done to determine its stage (extent of spread).

• CT or PET-CT scans: Check if the cancer has spread to other organs.
• Bone Scintigraphy: Checks for spread to the bones.
• Hormone Receptor and HER2 Testing: Essential for planning the right treatment approach.

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■ Breast Cancer Diagnostic Flow【Flowchart】

Here’s a quick summary of the diagnostic steps for breast cancer:

[Worrisome Breast Symptoms] or [Abnormality in Screening]
                ↓
     Doctor’s Examination (Visual / Physical)
                ↓
     Imaging Tests (Mammography / Ultrasound / MRI)
                ↓
     Biopsy (Core Needle / Fine Needle Aspiration)
                ↓
   [If Diagnosed with Breast Cancer]
                ↓
     Additional Tests (CT, Bone Scan, Blood Tests, etc.)
                ↓
     Decision on Treatment Plan (Surgery / Drug Therapy, etc.)

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■ In Summary: Don’t Panic—Consult Early

Breast cancer is a condition where early detection and treatment lead to better outcomes.
If anything seems off during a screening or self-check, don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional early.

We understand fears like, “I’m scared of the tests,” or “I don’t have time.”
But for the sake of your future, why not take that first step today?

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