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Breast Cancer Symptoms: What Changes Should Women Pay Attention To?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but breast health should not be something we think about only once a year.
Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel can help you notice when something has changed. A change does not automatically mean breast cancer. Many breast changes have other causes. But knowing what is normal for you makes it easier to recognise something unusual and know when to speak to a healthcare professional.
So, what breast cancer symptoms should women actually look out for?
What Are the Common Signs of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer does not look or feel the same for everyone. Some people may notice a change in their breast or underarm, while others may have no obvious symptoms at all.
Possible signs and symptoms can include:
A new lump or swelling in the breast or underarm
Thickening or swelling in part of the breast
A change in the size or shape of one breast
Dimpling or irritation of the skin
Redness or flaky skin around the breast or nipple
A nipple that turns inward or changes in appearance
Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, including bloody discharge
Persistent pain in the breast or nipple area
A change in the way the breast looks or feels
These changes can also happen because of conditions that are not cancer. For example, many breast lumps have causes such as cysts or other non-cancerous breast conditions.
The important part is not to panic over one symptom. It is to pay attention when something is new or unusual for you.
Sudden Painful Lump in Breast: What Could It Mean?
Finding a sudden painful lump in your breast can understandably be worrying. However, pain does not automatically mean cancer.
Breast lumps can have several causes, including cysts and hormonal changes that can make breasts feel more tender or lumpy around your period.
A new lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional. If your breast also becomes red, hot or swollen, particularly with a fever or feeling unwell, seek medical advice as these can sometimes be signs of a breast infection.
Can Your Breasts Change During Your Menstrual Cycle?
Yes. Hormonal changes can cause tenderness, swelling, fullness or changes in texture around your period. Breasts can also change during pregnancy, with weight changes, age and certain medications.
What matters is knowing what is normal for you. If a new change feels unusual or persists, speak with a healthcare professional.
Does Breast Cancer Hurt?
It can, but breast pain by itself is not usually a sign of breast cancer. Some people with breast cancer experience pain, while others have no pain at all.
Breast pain can also be linked to hormonal changes during your menstrual cycle or other causes. If the pain persists, keeps returning, or comes with another unusual change, speak with a healthcare professional.
Breast Self-Awareness vs. Breast Self-Check
Breast self-awareness simply means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel. You may notice changes while showering, getting dressed, or going about your usual routine.
The goal is not to constantly check or diagnose yourself. It is to recognise what is normal for you, so you can notice when something changes.
Formal breast self-exams are different. The CDC notes that being familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel can help you notice changes, but breast self-exams have not been shown to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer.
Think of breast awareness as knowing your body, not diagnosing it.
When Should You Speak to a Doctor?
You do not need to wait until a change becomes painful or severe before getting it checked.
Speak with a healthcare professional if you notice:
A new lump or swelling in your breast or underarm
A persistent change in the size or shape of your breast
New dimpling, redness or unusual skin changes
A new change in the nipple
Unusual nipple discharge
Persistent breast or underarm pain, particularly when accompanied by another change
Any change that feels unusual or different from what is normal for you
Having one of these symptoms does not mean you have breast cancer. Many breast changes have causes that are not cancer. But getting an unusual change assessed is better than trying to diagnose it yourself.
Should I Do Regular Breast Screening?
Yes. Breast screening can help detect some breast cancers before they cause noticeable symptoms. When you should start and how often you need screening depends on your age, risk factors and local guidelines.
If you notice a new breast change, do not wait for your next screening. Speak with a healthcare professional.
Breast Health Is Part of Women’s Health
At Diva’Me, we believe knowing your body and talking openly about women’s health should be normal. Have questions or want to hear from other women? Join the conversation on Diva’Me ChitChat.
Know your normal. Notice changes. Get them checked.
FAQs
1. What are the early symptoms of breast cancer?
Possible symptoms include a new breast or underarm lump, breast swelling or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or redness, nipple changes and unusual nipple discharge. Some people may not have symptoms at all.
2. Is every breast lump a sign of breast cancer?
No. Many breast lumps are caused by conditions that are not cancerous, including cysts and other benign breast changes. However, a new lump should be assessed by a healthcare professional rather than self-diagnosed.
3. Can your breasts change during your period?
Yes. Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can cause breasts to feel fuller, swollen, tender or different in texture. Breast changes can also occur during pregnancy, with weight changes and as you age.
4. How often should I check my breasts?
There is no need to constantly check your breasts. The important thing is to become familiar with how they normally look and feel so you can notice changes. The NHS suggests checking your breasts or chest regularly, around once a month.
5. Can a breast self-check replace a mammogram?
No. Being aware of changes in your breasts is useful, but it does not replace recommended breast screening. Mammograms can detect some breast cancers before they can be felt or cause symptoms.
6. Does breast pain mean breast cancer?
Breast pain can have many causes and, on its own, is not usually a sign of breast cancer. However, persistent pain or pain accompanied by another unusual breast change should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
7. Can a red bump on the breast be a sign of breast cancer?
A red bump or area of redness can have many causes and does not automatically mean breast cancer. Persistent redness, skin changes, swelling or other unusual breast changes should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
8. How can you know if you have breast cancer?
You cannot confirm breast cancer from symptoms alone. If you notice a new or unusual breast change, a healthcare professional can assess it and recommend further tests if needed.
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