Breast cancer is often easiest to treat when caught early. While mammograms are the gold standard for screening, knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is crucial. Here are 10 early warning signs you should never ignore:
1. A New Lump or Mass
The most common sign. A painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, but breast cancer lumps can also be tender, soft, or rounded. Any new lump should be checked by a doctor.
2. Swelling of the Breast (All or Part)
If one breast swells or changes shape without an obvious cause (like your menstrual cycle or an injury), it could be a sign of a blockage or inflammation caused by a tumor.
3. Skin Irritation or Dimpling
If the skin of your breast starts to look like the peel of an orange (a condition called peau d’orange) or develops dimples/puckering, it can indicate a tumor pulling on the skin tissue.
4. Nipple Retraction (Turning Inward)
If a nipple that previously pointed outward suddenly turns inward or flattens, it may be a sign of a mass growing behind the nipple pulling it inward.
5. Redness, Scaly Skin, or Flaking
Persistent redness, thickening, or flaking of the nipple or breast skin can be a sign of Paget’s disease of the breast or inflammatory breast cancer, rather than a simple rash or eczema.
6. Unusual Nipple Discharge
Discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple, is bloody, or comes from only one breast can be a warning sign. (Milky discharge when not breastfeeding should also be discussed with a doctor).
7. Breast or Nipple Pain
While most breast cancers are painless in the early stages, persistent pain or tenderness in one specific spot that doesn’t go away with your menstrual cycle should be evaluated.
8. A Change in Size or Shape
If one breast suddenly becomes noticeably larger, lower, or changes contour compared to the other, it could indicate a growth deep within the tissue.
9. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Breast cancer often first spreads to the lymph nodes under the arm or around the collarbone. If you feel a hard, swollen, or tender lump in your armpit (with or without breast symptoms), get it checked.
10. A Sore or Ulcer on the Nipple or Breast
A wound, sore, or ulcer on the nipple or areola that does not heal after several weeks needs medical attention.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of these changes, do not panic. 80% of breast lumps are benign (non-cancerous). However, do not wait to “see if it goes away.” Call your doctor or gynecologist to schedule a clinical breast exam and potentially an ultrasound or mammogram.