Here’s a clear, medically accurate overview of symptoms you may experience if you have breast cancer. Keep in mind: many of these can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions—but anything new or unusual should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Common Symptoms of Breast Cancer
🔹 A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm
-
Often painless
-
May feel hard, irregular, and different from surrounding tissue
🔹 Changes in breast size or shape
-
Swelling in all or part of the breast
-
One breast suddenly looks different from the other
🔹 Skin changes on the breast
-
Dimpling or puckering (sometimes described as “orange peel” skin)
-
Redness, scaliness, or thickened skin
🔹 Nipple changes
-
Nipple turning inward (inversion)
-
Pain in the nipple area
-
Discharge that isn’t breast milk (especially bloody or clear)
🔹 Breast or nipple pain
-
Persistent pain not related to menstrual cycles
🔹 Swollen lymph nodes
-
Swelling or lumps under the arm or near the collarbone
Less Common or Advanced Symptoms
-
Unexplained breast warmth or inflammation
-
Non-healing sores on the breast or nipple
-
Fatigue or unexplained weight loss (in later stages)
Important to Know
-
Early breast cancer may cause no symptoms at all, which is why regular screenings (like mammograms) are so important.
-
Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only a medical exam can determine the cause.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any new, persistent, or unusual change in your breasts, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with a healthcare provider.
If you want, I can also:
-
Rewrite this for a blog or health website
-
Make it shorter and more reader-friendly
-
Add screening and prevention tips
-
Tailor it for a specific age group