Breast Cancer : 5 Common Signs and When to See a Doctor

Breast Cancer : 5 Common Signs and When to See a Doctor

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, but early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Knowing what is “normal” for your body is the first step in identifying potential red flags.

While many breast changes are not cancerous (benign), any new or unusual symptom should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

5 Common Signs of Breast Cancer

There are 2 ‘golden rules’:

1. No woman should have a lump in the breast.
2. All breast lumps should be considered cancer until otherwise proven.

Most people are aware of the “lump” as a primary symptom, but breast cancer can present in several other ways. Here are the five most frequent signs:

1. A New Lump or Thickening

The most common sign is a painless, hard mass with irregular edges. However, some cancerous lumps can be soft, rounded, or even tender.

• Top Tip: Check the entire breast area, including the upper chest and the armpit (axilla), as breast tissue extends into these regions.

2. Changes in Skin Texture (Dimpling)

Look for changes that make the skin look like the peel of an orange (peau d’orange). This can include:

• Dimpling or puckering of the skin.

• Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the breast skin.

• Constant itching or a rash that doesn’t clear up.

3. Nipple Changes or Inversion

If your nipple, which normally points out, begins to pull inward (retraction) or changes shape, it could indicate a tumor underneath pulling on the tissue.

4. Nipple Discharge

Non-milky discharge that occurs without squeezing the nipple is a cause for concern. Pay particular attention if the discharge is:

• Bloody (red or brown).

• Clear and only coming from one breast.

5. Persistent Pain or Swelling

While breast cancer is often painless, constant pain in one specific spot—unrelated to your menstrual cycle—should be checked. Additionally, swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt) can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer.

Breast Self-Examination: What to Look For

To improve your chances of early detection, perform a monthly self-check. Stand in front of a mirror and look for:

• • Asymmetry: One breast significantly changing size or hanging lower than the other.

  • Vein Patterns: Prominent or new veins appearing on the surface.

When to See a Doctor

You should book a GP appointment as soon as possible if you notice any of the changes mentioned above. Do not wait for your next scheduled screening (mammogram) if you have found a new symptom.

Seek an urgent review if you experience:

• A lump that feels “fixed” to the skin or chest wall.

• Swollen lymph nodes in the armpit or collarbone area.

• A change in the appearance of the nipple or skin that persists for more than two weeks.

The Diagnostic Process

If your doctor is concerned, they will typically refer you to a One-Stop Breast Clinic. This involves a “Triple Assessment”:

1. Clinical Examination: A physical check by a hospital-based breast surgeon.

2. Imaging: A mammogram (x-ray) or an ultrasound.

3. Biopsy: Taking a small tissue sample with a needle if a lump is found.

Summary of Key Symptoms