Learn 4 important early warning signs of breast cancer, including a new lump, breast or skin changes, nipple changes, and unusual discharge. Know when to see a doctor and why screening matters.
ATTENTION: Breast Cancer — 4 Early Signs Every Woman Should Know
Breast cancer does not always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. In fact, some people have no noticeable signs at all, which is one reason age- and risk-appropriate breast cancer screening is so important.
Knowing what is normal for your breasts can nevertheless help you recognize changes that deserve medical attention.
Here are four important warning signs every woman should know.
1. A New Lump in the Breast or Armpit
One of the most recognized signs of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast or underarm.
A cancerous lump is sometimes hard, painless and irregular, but breast cancer lumps can have different characteristics. Therefore, you should not try to determine whether a lump is cancer simply by touching it.
Importantly, most breast lumps are not cancer. Benign cysts, hormonal changes and other noncancerous conditions can also cause lumps. However, any new or unusual lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What to do
If you discover a new lump that wasn’t there before, arrange a medical evaluation rather than waiting to see whether it disappears.
2. Changes in Breast Skin or Breast Size
Pay attention to a new change in how your breast looks.
Warning signs can include:
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin
- Thickening or swelling of part of the breast
- Redness or darkening
- Flaky, scaly or irritated skin
- Swelling of all or part of the breast
- A new change in breast size or shape
Sometimes the skin can develop a texture resembling an orange peel, known medically as peau d’orange.
These changes do not automatically mean cancer, but a persistent or unexplained change deserves medical assessment.
3. Nipple Changes
Your nipples can naturally vary in appearance, but a new change can be an important warning sign.
Watch for:
- A nipple that newly turns inward
- Unusual nipple pain
- Changes in the nipple or surrounding skin
- Redness, scaling or thickening around the nipple
- A nipple that looks different from its usual appearance
The National Cancer Institute lists nipple changes, including flattening or a change in the direction of the nipple, among possible breast cancer symptoms.
A new nipple change does not necessarily indicate cancer, but it should not be ignored.
4. Unusual Nipple Discharge
Nipple discharge can happen for many reasons, particularly during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, new discharge that is not breast milk, especially bloody discharge, should be evaluated.
Other concerning changes can include discharge occurring without squeezing the nipple or discharge from only one breast.
Do not panic if you notice discharge. There are several noncancerous causes, but a healthcare professional can determine whether further examination or testing is necessary.
What About Breast Pain?
Breast pain alone is not usually a sign of breast cancer, although breast cancer can sometimes cause pain. Hormonal changes, injuries, infections and benign breast conditions are among the many possible causes of breast pain.
Persistent, unusual or worsening breast pain should still be discussed with a healthcare professional.
Don’t Wait for a Lump
Many people associate breast cancer only with a lump, but there are other possible signs, including skin changes, nipple changes, swelling and abnormal discharge. Some breast cancers may not cause noticeable symptoms at all.
That’s why it is important to know your breasts and pay attention to new changes.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if you notice:
- A new breast or underarm lump
- Persistent swelling or thickening
- A new change in breast size or shape
- Dimpling or puckering
- New redness, scaling or thickening of the skin
- A newly inverted nipple
- Unusual nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge
- Any other breast change that concerns you
A doctor may recommend an examination and, depending on the findings, imaging such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound and sometimes a biopsy.
Screening Can Find Breast Cancer Before Symptoms Appear
Knowing the warning signs is important, but screening is also a key part of early detection.
Mammograms can detect some breast cancers before they are large enough to feel or cause symptoms. The appropriate age and frequency of screening depend on factors such as age, personal and family history, and individual risk.
Talk with your healthcare professional about the screening schedule that is appropriate for you.
The Bottom Line
A new breast change does not automatically mean breast cancer. Many breast lumps and other breast symptoms have benign causes.
But ignoring a new or unusual change is not a good idea.
Remember these four signs:
- A new lump in the breast or armpit
- Changes in breast skin, swelling, size or shape
- New nipple changes
- Unusual nipple discharge
Early detection can make a difference, so if something about your breast looks or feels different from normal, speak with a healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose it yourself.
This article is for general health education and does not replace professional medical advice or recommended breast cancer screening.