Here are the symptoms in detail:
1. A Lump in the Breast or Underarm
This is the most common symptom.
- A new lump or thickened area in the breast.
- Usually painless, but some lumps can be tender or painful.
- May feel hard with irregular edges, although some cancerous lumps are soft and rounded.
- A lump under the armpit (swollen lymph node) may also be a sign.
Important: Most breast lumps are not cancer, but any new lump should be checked by a healthcare professional.
2. Changes in Breast Size or Shape
You may notice:
- One breast becoming noticeably larger or smaller.
- Swelling in part or all of the breast.
- Changes in the breast’s normal shape or contour.
- A feeling of heaviness or fullness in one breast.
3. Changes to the Skin
Breast cancer can affect the skin over the breast.
Signs include:
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin.
- Skin looking like an orange peel (called peau d’orange).
- Redness that does not go away.
- Thickened skin.
- Persistent itching with skin changes.
- Ulcers or sores that do not heal.
4. Nipple Changes
Watch for:
- A nipple turning inward (new nipple inversion).
- Changes in the nipple’s shape.
- Scaling, crusting, or peeling around the nipple.
- Persistent redness or rash.
- Pain in the nipple.
5. Nipple Discharge
Discharge can sometimes be a symptom, especially if it is:
- Bloody.
- Clear and watery.
- Coming from only one breast.
- Occurring without squeezing the nipple.
Milky discharge is usually related to hormonal causes rather than breast cancer.
6. Breast Pain
Breast pain alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer.
However, you should seek medical advice if:
- Pain is persistent.
- It occurs in one specific area.
- It is associated with a lump or skin changes.
7. Swelling in the Armpit or Collarbone
Cancer cells may spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes.
- A lump under the arm.
- Swelling above the collarbone.
- Tenderness in these areas.
Sometimes these symptoms appear before a breast lump is noticed.
8. Changes in Breast Texture
The breast may feel:
- Firmer than usual.
- Thicker in one area.
- Different from its usual texture.
These changes should be assessed if they persist.
9. Redness or Warmth
Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare but aggressive type of breast cancer.
Symptoms may include:
- Sudden redness over much of the breast.
- Warmth.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Skin thickening or an orange-peel appearance.
It can resemble a breast infection but requires urgent medical assessment.
Symptoms of Advanced Breast Cancer
If breast cancer spreads beyond the breast, symptoms depend on the area affected.
Possible symptoms include:
- Persistent bone pain or fractures.
- Ongoing cough or difficulty breathing.
- Severe headaches or dizziness.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Extreme fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
- Abdominal pain or swelling.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
These symptoms can also be caused by many other conditions, but they should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
When to See a Doctor
Arrange a medical appointment promptly if you notice:
- A new breast or underarm lump.
- Changes in breast size or shape.
- Persistent breast or nipple pain.
- Nipple discharge, especially if bloody or from one breast.
- Skin dimpling, redness, or thickening.
- A newly inverted nipple.
- Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or above the collarbone.
Most breast changes are not caused by cancer, but they should still be checked so the cause can be identified.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase the risk of breast cancer include:
- Increasing age.
- Being female (although men can also develop breast cancer).
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Certain inherited gene changes, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.
- Previous breast cancer.
- Dense breast tissue.
- Exposure to oestrogen over a long period.
- Obesity after menopause.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Smoking.
- Limited physical activity.
Having one or more risk factors does not mean someone will definitely develop breast cancer, and many people diagnosed with breast cancer have no known risk factors.
Screening and Early Detection
Regular breast screening can help detect cancer before symptoms develop. In addition:
- Be familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel.
- Report any new or unusual changes promptly.
- Attend recommended screening appointments if you are eligible.
Early detection often leads to more treatment options and improves the chances of successful treatment. If you notice any of the warning signs described above, it is important to arrange an evaluation with a healthcare professional as soon as possible.