# Lump in the breast: causes and when to see a doctor

_Lump in the breast: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/lump-in-the-breast

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Most breast lumps are not cancer: cysts and fibroadenomas are common, especially in younger women. A lump can also be an early sign of breast cancer, the most common cancer in Kenya. Book a clinical breast exam within a couple of weeks. Sooner if the lump is hard, fixed, growing or comes with skin or nipple changes.

**Lump in the breast: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Book a clinical breast exam within a couple of weeks. Sooner if the lump is hard, fixed, growing or comes with skin or nipple changes. | See a clinician for a breast exam; an ultrasound or mammogram may follow. | Cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Lump in the breast: common questions

**Q: What can cause lump in the breast?**

A: Most breast lumps are not cancer: cysts and fibroadenomas are common, especially in younger women. A lump can also be an early sign of breast cancer, the most common cancer in Kenya.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Book a clinical breast exam within a couple of weeks. Sooner if the lump is hard, fixed, growing or comes with skin or nipple changes.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: See a clinician for a breast exam; an ultrasound or mammogram may follow.

**Q: Does lump in the breast mean I have cancer?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's cancer risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [World Health Organization, Breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

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