Symptoms of breast cancer

In the majority of cases, localised breast cancer is asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a non-tender lump in the breast or underarm area. In some asymptomatic cases there is no evidence of  a lump, but the  cancer is found, for example, in mammography screening.

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer may include:

• a lump in the breast or underarm area
• inverted nipple
• changes to the skin over the breast, such as retraction
• pain in the breast
• an inflammatory change such as redness or hardening of the breast
• any nipple discharge—particularly clear discharge or bloody discharge

It’s good to remember that these changes are not always a sign of breast cancer. However, the symptoms always require further medical evaluation to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Remember that by performing breast self-exams regularly, you will be able to more easily identify any changes in your breast.