Signs of breast cancer

Spotting the signs of breast cancer at an early stage is a vital part of the current worldwide campaign to reduce the impact of the disease among women of all ages.

Education programs in all countries, in all languages, online, in print, on TV or in person have started to make big progress and more and more women come forward to be checked by their doctors or nurses each day. Women's knowledge about and use of breast self examination is also spreading.

One of the earliest posts on this site focussed on the issue of painful lumps in the breast and whether that could be a sign of breast cancer.

If you are worried about any sign or symptom in your breast then the message is simple. Don't be stupid - go see a doctor for a check over. It's mad to try to rely on a site like this for information. Yes - we try to help but we'll say it again. If you are concerned about breast symptoms then you should see a doctor ..... please .... !


What are the signs of breast cancer?

The first thing most women notice is a lump in their breast.

But please remember that ninety percent - that means nine out of every ten - breast lumps are not cancer at all and are simply a cyst or a benign non malignant lump or swelling. But again - yes there are ways to tell if a lump feels suspicious or not - but no woman can judge this for herself. So - here's that message again - if you spot a lump then book to see your doctor straight away.

Signs that could point towards breast cancer include:

• A lump or thickening in part of the breast - it can be in any part of the breast so please take your time during examinations and check yourself fully and with care
• Any change in the size or shape of a breast - sit on the edge of the bed or on a chair and look at yourself in the mirror. Raise your hands up in the air and look again. Do both breasts look the same or is one changing from how it was before?
• Dimpling of the skin over the breast can be a warning sign of something wrong. Sometimes this dimple effect can make the breast skin look like the skin of an orange.
• Has your nipple changed shape? Has it turned inwards or sunk into the breast - or has it changed its shape from before? 
• Have you noticed a discharge from the nipple? Is it blood-stained?
• Is there a rash or persistent itchy feelings on a nipple or in the area around the nipple skin surface?
• Have you found a swelling or lump in your armpit?

Now please remember that these signs above don't necessarily always mean that you might have breast cancer. But if any of these things happen to you, you should get it checked out.

In a rare type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, the whole breast can look red and inflamed and can be very sore.

Again - yes, we know, you're bored of hearing it by now ..... if in doubt about any of this then go to see your doctor and have a check. It's better to be safe than sorry. If something is wrong then the earlier you get a diagnosis the better your chances of doing well with treatment.