Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms: What to Watch For

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. While not every breast change is cancer, understanding what is normal for your body and recognizing potential warning signs can help you seek care sooner.

Many people associate breast cancer with a lump in the breast, but symptoms can appear in several different ways. Learning the signs and knowing when to talk to your provider are important steps in protecting your breast health.

Understanding Breast Cancer

Breast cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the breast begin growing uncontrollably. Most breast cancers start in the:

• Milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple
• Lobules, the glands that produce milk

Some breast cancers are found during routine screening mammograms before symptoms develop, while others are discovered after a person notices a change in their breast.

Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. However, breast cancer can cause several other changes as well.

Changes to Watch For

• A new lump or mass in the breast
• Swelling of all or part of the breast
• Skin dimpling or puckering
• Breast pain or nipple pain
• A nipple that turns inward when it previously did not
• Red, flaky, dry or thickened nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, especially if it bloody or blood-tinged
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

If you notice any of these changes, schedule an appointment with your health care provider for evaluation. Breast and nipple pain are not usually a sign of breast cancer, but new localized pain should be evaluated. 

Know Your Normal

Breast changes are common and are often not cancerous. Becoming familiar with your breasts can help you recognize changes earlier.

Breast Self-Exams

Breast self-exams are not a substitute for mammograms, but checking your breasts regularly can increase your awareness of you breast health.

Our comprehensive breast center id designed to evaluate you quickly if you detect any new changes.

“We encourage women to check their breasts once a month to get to know what their normal breast texture is. Our comprehensive breast center is designed to evaluate you quickly if you detect any new changes.”

— Jamie Caughran, MD

Read: Learn how to perform a breast self-exam

Contact your provider if you notice a new lump, persistent breast pain, nipple discharge or any unusual changes.

Could You Be at Higher Risk?

While anyone with breast tissue can develop breast cancer, certain factors may increase risk.

Risk Factors You CAN Change

• Post-menopausal obesity
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
• Alcohol consumption
• Physical inactivity

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer, but making healthy lifestyle choices may help reduce your risk.

Risk Factors You CANNOT Change

• Getting older
• Sex assigned at birth
• Dense breast tissue
• Family history of breast cancer
• Genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA 2
• Previous radiation exposure to the chest
• Certain reproductive factors

Many people with risk factors never develop breast cancer and most people diagnosed with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease – that’s why screening mammograms are so important.

Read: Understanding Your Breast Cancer Risk

How Can I Help Lower My Risk?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, these steps can support breast health:

• Schedule a yearly mammogram
• Know your family history
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Get regular exercise
• Discuss your family history and personal risk factors with your health care provider as you may qualify for supplemental screening in addition to mammography.

Mammograms Matter

Many breast cancers do not cause symptoms in their earliest stages. Regular mammograms can detect breast cancer before it can be felt, improving opportunities for early treatment and better outcomes.

Talk with your healthcare provider about when you should begin screening and how often you should have a mammogram based on your age, family history and personal risk factors.

Protect Your Breast Health

Knowing the signs of breast cancer, performing regular self-checks and staying current with mammogram screenings are important ways to take charge of your breast health. If you notice changes in your breasts or have questions about your risk, talk with your healthcare provider or schedule a mammogram with Trinity Health Michigan.

Schedule a Mammogram