My mother went to the hospital to undergo a biopsy due to a lump. will she die of cancer?

Walk B4 U Run: A biopsy which may lead to a cancer diagnosis is an incredibly anxiety-producing experience for patients and their families. It is important not to get too far ahead of yourself: many biopsies end up being benign; for those that are cancers, there are many effective treatments available. The best way to support your mother is to be there for her and be as positive as possible.

Probably not: Cancer can only be diagnosed with a biopsy. Most lumps and most biopsies are benign, meaning not cancer. If it does show cancer, her prognosis or chance for cure can vary from 0% to 99% depending on the origin and stage. Early stage breast cancer for example has a better than 90% chance for cure.

Hard to tell: Need for biopsy of a lump does not mean cancer. If the biopsy shows cancer, and it is an early lesion, it may be curable with surgery. Please follow your doctor's advice about tests and treatments.