Learn four possible early warning signs of breast cancer, including a new lump, nipple changes, skin changes, and unusual breast or underarm changes. Find out when you should speak with a healthcare professional.
4 Early Signs of Breast Cancer That You Shouldn’t Ignore
Breast changes are common and most are not caused by cancer. However, knowing what is normal for your breasts can help you notice changes that deserve medical attention.
Breast cancer doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms in its earliest stages, which is why recommended screening is important. If you notice a new or unusual change, don’t try to diagnose it yourself—have it evaluated.
Here are four changes worth knowing.
1. A New Lump or Thickened Area
A new lump in the breast or underarm is one of the most recognizable breast-cancer warning signs.
Many breast lumps are benign, including cysts and other noncancerous changes. A lump that is new, persistent, hard, fixed, or otherwise unusual for you should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Don’t wait for it to become painful. Breast cancer lumps can be painless.
2. Changes in the Skin
Pay attention to new changes in the skin of the breast, such as:
- Dimpling or puckering
- Unusual thickening
- Persistent redness
- Swelling
- Skin that develops an appearance resembling an orange peel
These changes can have other causes, including infection or inflammation, but unexplained persistent changes should be evaluated.
3. Unusual Nipple Changes or Discharge
A newly inverted nipple or a change in the normal appearance of the nipple can sometimes be a warning sign.
Unexplained nipple discharge—particularly bloody discharge or discharge from one breast—also deserves medical evaluation.
Not all nipple discharge indicates cancer. Hormonal changes, medications, infections, and other conditions can cause it.
4. A Change in the Size or Shape of the Breast
A new, unexplained change in the size, shape, or contour of one breast can be worth discussing with a doctor.
Also pay attention to persistent swelling or changes that don’t seem related to your normal menstrual cycle.
What About Breast Pain?
Breast pain by itself is not usually the most typical sign of breast cancer.
Hormonal changes, cysts, injuries, medications, and other conditions can cause breast pain.
However, persistent or unusual pain should still be evaluated, especially if it occurs alongside another breast change.
Don’t Forget Screening
Being familiar with your breasts is useful, but it doesn’t replace recommended breast-cancer screening.
Screening recommendations vary depending on your age, personal risk factors, family history, and country.
Ask your healthcare professional which screening schedule is appropriate for you.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Make an appointment if you notice a new or persistent breast or underarm change, particularly a lump, nipple abnormality, skin change, or unexplained alteration in breast shape.
You don’t need to wait until you have several symptoms.
The Bottom Line
A new breast change doesn’t automatically mean cancer. But any unexplained or persistent change deserves attention.
Knowing what is normal for you, keeping up with recommended screening, and reporting unusual changes promptly can help ensure that concerning problems are investigated as early as possible.