Breast Cancer Symptoms & Signs
Breast cancer symptoms vary from person to person. If you notice any changes, tell your doctor. While regular self-exams are important, many breast cancers are found through regular screening mammograms before any symptoms appear.
Breast cancer symptoms may include
- Lump in the breast and/or armpit
- Breast skin changes, including skin redness and thickening of the breast skin, resulting in an orange-peel texture
- Dimpling or puckering on the breast
- Discharge from the nipple
- Scaliness on the nipple, which sometimes extends to the areola
- Nipple changes, including the nipple turning inward, pulling to one side or changing direction
- An ulcer on the breast or nipple, sometimes extending to the areola
- Swelling of the breast
These symptoms do not always mean you have breast cancer. However, it is important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, since they may also signal other health problems.
What does breast cancer feel like?
There is no exact definition of what a lump feels like. The best thing to do is to be familiar with your breasts so you know how “normal” feels and looks.
Other possible conditions
There are several conditions that can cause a lump in the breast and breast skin changes. These include breast cysts, breast infections (called mastitis), breast tissue changes caused by hormones or age and benign breast tumors.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you notice breast changes or breast cancer symptoms. In most cases, these are not caused by cancer, but they can be signs of other conditions that should be treated.
Breast cancer screening
All women age 40 and older should get a breast cancer screening exam every year. Women with an above-average risk should talk to their doctor about more frequent screening exams.
Visit the breast cancer screening page for more information and to schedule your exam.
