What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast lumps

In most women, breast cancer is first noticed as a painless lump in the breast. You should visit your doctor straight away if you notice a lump or are aware of any new change in your breast. Although most breast lumps are benign (not cancerous), they still need to be checked carefully to rule out the possibility of cancer. Also, if it is a cancer, the earlier the treatment is given, the more likely it is to be successful. 

Other breast changes

Other, less common signs of breast cancer may include:

• a change in the size or shape of a breast
• dimpling of the skin of the breast
• a thickening in the breast tissue
• a nipple becoming inverted (turned in)
• a lump or thickening behind the nipple
• a rash (like eczema) affecting the nipple
• a bloodstained discharge from the nipple (this is very rare)
• a swelling or lump in the armpit.

Pain in the breast is usually not a symptom of breast cancer. In fact, many healthy women find that their breasts feel lumpy and tender before a period. And some types of non-cancerous breast lumps can be painful.

Non-cancerous breast lumps

Most breast lumps are not cancer (benign). Common causes of benign breast lumps are:

• Cysts – sacs of fluid that build up in the breast tissue. Breast cysts are quite common. Nearly 1 in 10 women will have a breast cyst at some time during her life.
• Fibroadenomas – solid tumours made up of fibrous and glandular tissue. They are more common in women in their 20s and 30s.