Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer



Following are the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

  • New lump or mass in the breast or the armpit
  • Discharge from the nipple (clear or bloody)
  • Redness or rash on the breast
  • Pain in the breast and / or nipple
  • Retracted nipple or inverted nipple
  • Pitted skin or scaly skin on the nipple
  • Tenderness of the breast that does not lessen over time
  • Unusual swelling in any part of the breast
  • Dimpling or thickening of skin in any part of the breast
  • A sudden increase in breast size
  • Itchy skin on the breast that is not relieved by creams or medication
  • Change in the color of the breasts
  • Breasts that are warm to touch or harder than normal

These symptoms along with any changes felt during your monthly breast exam are early indications that cancer may be present in the breast. It is important that you see your doctor immediately to reach a conclusive diagnosis. Remember, early detection is the best way to treat and cure breast cancer.


Frequently asked questions
References

Article (BJO:BJO1021)

  1. Carmichael, A.; Review article: Obesity as a risk factor for development and poor prognosis of breast cancer BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2006, 113, 1160-1166
  2. Laure Dossus, Rudolf Kaaks, Nutrition, metabolic factors and cancer risk, Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 22, Issue 4, August 2008, Pages 551-571, ISSN 1521-690X, 10.1016/j.beem.2008.08.003.
  3. M.M.A. Tilanus-Linthorst, C.C.M. Bartels, A.I.M. Obdeijn, M. Oudkerk, Earlier detection of breast cancer by surveillance of women at familial risk, European Journal of Cancer, Volume 36, Issue 4, March 2000, Pages 514-519, ISSN 0959-8049, 10.1016/S0959-8049(99)00337-8.
  4. Victor V. Levenson, Biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer: What, when, and where?, Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - General Subjects, Volume 1770, Issue 6, June 2007, Pages 847-856, ISSN 0304-4165, 10.1016/j.bbagen.2007.01.017.