Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. While it mostly happens to women who are 50 or older, it can also happen to men and younger women.

Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast begin to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. If left untreated, they may spread to different parts of the body.

The good news is that breast cancer’s survival rates are high. If detected early, treatment is often successful, and the chances of recovery are high. This is why recognizing the early warning signs is so important.

In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of breast cancer, risk factors, and when you should see a healthcare professional.

What Is Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a disease in which cells grow uncontrollably. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly manner. However, when these cells grow abnormally, they form a lump node or a tumour, and if not treated, they may spread to different parts of the body.

Breast cancer can start in different parts of the breast, which could be milk ducts, milk-producing glands (lobules), or, less commonly, other breast tissues. The most common type is ductal carcinoma, which starts in the milk ducts.

Not every breast lump is cancerous. There are many non-cancerous lumps, but a healthcare professional should always examine any new lump or unusual breast change.

symptoms of breast cancer

Many women believe that a breast lump is the only sign of breast cancer, but this is not true lump is among the most common symptoms of breast cancer, but there are many other symptoms of breast cancer in the breast, nipples, and surroundings caused by breast cancer.

1. A New Lump in the Breast

If you notice a new lump in the breast, which is painless, hard, and has irregular edges, it could be a symptoms of breast cancer. However, not every lump is cancerous; many lumps are caused by non-cancerous conditions such as cysts

2. A Lump or Swelling in the Armpit

Before a lump is noticed in the breast, it may spread to the lymph nodes. As a result, the woman first notices a lump or swelling under the arm.

The swelling and lump usually do not go away on their own. While swollen lymph nodes can also occur because of infections, if the swelling persists, you should always be checked by a healthcare professional.

3. Changes in Breast Size or Shape

If you notice a sudden change in the size of the breast. If they suddenly become larger or smaller without an obvious reason, then it should not be ignored.

Although hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can temporarily affect breast size, if the change in size persists or continues to worsen, it should be medically evaluated.

4. Dimpling or Puckering of the Skin

This is one of the earliest symptoms of breast cancer. You would notice dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast. Instead of feeling smooth, the skin may look like the surface of an orange peel.

Although dimpling skin does not always mean breast cancer, if this change persists, you should definitely seek medical advice.

5. Nipple Discharge

A discharge from the nipples can be a sign of breast cancer. If the discharge is clear, yellow, or bloody and usually occurs from only one breast.

Although nipple discharge does not always mean it is a symptoms of breast cancer. It can also be caused by infection, hormonal changes, or non-cancerous breast conditions. However, if you notice spontaneous discharge, you should seek medical advice.

6. Nipple Turning Inward (Nipple Inversion)

If you notice that your nipples suddenly begin to turn inwards, it should not be ignored. Some women are born with inverted nipples, and this is usually harmless.

A newly inverted nipple may occur because a tumor is pulling on the surrounding breast tissue. If this is accompanied by other symptoms of breast cancer, then you should consult a healthcare professional.

7. Redness, Swelling, or Warmth of the Breast

If you are experiencing persistent redness, swelling, or warmth affecting part or all of the breast, it may be a symptom of breast cancer, particularly a rare type called inflammatory breast cancer.

8. Persistent Breast Pain

Breast pain alone is usually not a symptoms of breast cancer. Breast pain is more commonly caused by hormonal changes, menstrual cycles, cysts, or muscle strain.

However, if the pain is accompanied by a lump, skin changes, or nipple discharge, it should be examined by a healthcare professional.

9. Thickening of Breast Tissue

Instead of a lump, the women notice that part of the breast feels thicker or firmer than the surrounding tissue.This thickening may feel different from the normal texture of the breast and may not disappear after the menstrual cycle.

10. Changes in the Skin of the Breast

Changes in the skin covering the breast may also be among the early symptoms of breast cancer.

These changes may include:

• Dry or scaly skin around the nipple
• Persistent rash
• Skin ulcers
• Thickened skin
• Changes in skin color

Although skin conditions such as eczema can also cause similar symptoms, persistent skin changes which do not improve should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

11. Swollen Lymph Nodes

The lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone may become swollen if breast cancer spreads beyond the breast.

Some women notice swollen lymph nodes before they detect a lump in the breast. Swollen lymph nodes may also occur because of infections, but if the swelling persists for more than a couple of weeks or continues to enlarge, it should be medically evaluated.

12. Unexplained Changes in One Breast

Sometimes the earliest symptoms of breast cancer are simply that breast begins to look or feel different from the other.

You may notice:

• One breast becoming noticeably larger
• A change in breast shape
• Persistent swelling
• A difference in how the breast feels
• Skin tightening

Many women naturally have breasts that differ slightly in size. However, any new or unusual change that persists should not be ignored.

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Who Is at Risk of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer can affect anyone, but certain factors can increase a woman’s chance of getting breast cancer. Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will definitely develop breast cancer, and many women who have no risk factors are also diagnosed with breast cancer.

1. Increasing Age

The risk of breast cancer increases with age. Although younger women can develop breast cancer, women above 50 are at a higher risk of getting breast cancer.

2. Family History

Women with a close family member, such as a mother, sister, or daughter, who has had breast cancer may have a higher risk. A family history of ovarian cancer can also increase the risk.

3. Inherited Gene Mutations

Some women inherit mutations in genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. These inherited gene mutations significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. However, only a small percentage of breast cancers are caused by inherited gene mutations.

4. Previous Breast Cancer

Women who have previously had breast cancer are at a higher risk of developing another breast cancer in the future.

5. Hormonal Factors

Long-term exposure to estrogen may increase breast cancer risk. Factors that may increase exposure include:

• If your periods started before the age of 12.
• You reached menopause after the age of 55.
• Having no children or having a first pregnancy later in life.

These factors only slightly increase risk and do not mean a woman will develop breast cancer.

6. Being Overweight or Obese

Being overweight, especially after menopause, can increase the risk of breast cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular physical activity may help reduce the risk.

7. Alcohol Consumption

Regular alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol consumed.

8. Physical Inactivity

Women who are physically inactive may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer than those who exercise regularly.

9. Previous Radiation Therapy

Women who received radiation therapy to the chest during childhood or early adulthood for another medical condition may have a higher risk of developing breast cancer later in life.

Heavy menstrual bleeding can increase the risk of iron deficiency, although it is not a risk factor for breast cancer. Read Heavy Periods (Menorrhagia): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination

The breast self-examination is a simple way to get to know the look and feel of your breasts. It is important to note that this examination does not replace regular breast cancer screening or mammograms.

Step 1: Look at Your Breasts

Stand in front of a mirror with your shoulders straight and your arms by your sides.

Check for:

• Changes in breast size or shape
• Swelling
• Skin dimpling
• Redness
• Nipple changes

Step 2: Feel Your Breasts While Standing

Using the pads of your three middle fingers, gently examine your entire breast using small circular motions.

You can follow a pattern such as:

• Circular
• Up and down
• Wedge pattern

Make sure you cover the entire breast, including the area near the collarbone and under the arm.

Step 3: Feel Your Breasts While Lying Down

Lie on your back and place a pillow under one shoulder.

Examine one breast at a time using the opposite hand. Repeat the same circular movements, covering all areas of the breast.

Step 4: Check Your Nipples

Gently squeeze each nipple to check for any discharge.

If you notice bloody or spontaneous discharge, contact your healthcare professional.

Remember: Breast self-examination cannot accurately detect every case of breast cancer. If you are experiencing symptoms of breast cancer, it is better to go for regular screening, and medical check-ups remain essential.

What are the ways to prevent breast cancer?

There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer. However, certain healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce your risk.

These include:

• Maintaining a healthy weight.
• Exercising regularly.
• Limiting alcohol consumption.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Breastfeeding, when possible, as it may slightly reduce breast cancer risk.
• Attending recommended breast cancer screening appointments.
• Knowing your family history and discussing it with your healthcare professional.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You should consult a healthcare professional if you notice:

• A new lump in your breast or under your arm.
• Changes in the size or shape of one breast.
• Persistent breast pain in one area.
• Skin dimpling or thickening.
• Redness or swelling that does not improve.
• Bloody or spontaneous nipple discharge.
• A nipple that suddenly turns inward.
• Persistent rash or scaling around the nipple.
• Any breast change that lasts for more than two weeks.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women, but early detection can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. While a breast lump is one of the best-known symptoms of breast cancer, other symptoms, such as nipple discharge, skin dimpling, breast swelling, nipple inversion, or changes in breast size and shape,should also never be ignored.

The good news is that many symptoms of breast cancer can be caused by non-cancerous conditions. However, the only way to know the cause is through proper medical evaluation. Becoming familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, attending recommended screening appointments, and consulting a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual changes can help detect breast cancer at an earlier stage.

Remember, finding early symptoms of breast cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

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