The first sign or symptom of breast cancer for many women
is a lump in their breast. Most breast lumps
are seen in breast clinics
and 9 out of 10 are benign, meaning they
are not cancers. Most benign breast lumps are:
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Areas of benign breast change, causing lumpiness that
is more obvious just before a period, particularly in women over 35
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Cysts - sacs of fluid in the breast tissue which are quite common
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Fibroadenoma - a collection of fibrous glandular tissue
which are more common in younger women
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In the early stages of breast cancer, you may not feel pain and there
may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, you may start to
notice changes in the breast or underarm, such as a lump or mass.
A lump that is painless, hard, and has uneven edges is more likely
to be cancer. But some cancers are tender, soft, and rounded.
So it's important to have
anything unusual checked by your doctor.
Other signs of breast cancer include the following:
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a swelling of part of the breast |
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skin irritation or dimpling |
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nipple pain or the nipple turning inward |
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redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin |
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a nipple discharge other than breast milk |
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a lump in the underarm area - they may be hard or soft and have
rounded or uneven edges |
REMEMBER: These signs and symptoms do not necessarily mean that
you have breast cancer. However, you should tell your doctor
right away about any lump in the breast or underarm area and
any changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or
areola (the area around the nipple).
AGAIN: Pain doesn't usually mean cancer. Many healthy women find their breasts
feel lumpy and tender before a period. And some benign breast
lumps are painful. But some breast cancers do cause
pain, so if you are worried, see your doctor.
