Being aware of breast cancer symptoms can be the difference between detecting cancer early and having better outcomes or finding it at a later stage when it’s more difficult to treat.
It’s also important to know your own body, so you can notice any changes to your breasts and discuss those with your doctor. Being proactive about talking with your doctor about breast changes can potentially save your life.
Breast specialists at the OSUCCC – James are experts at identifying symptoms for breast cancer and helping decide whether they’re normal changes to the breast or issues that should be investigated further with our state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and mammograms. The following are a few guidelines about what breast cancer signs you should watch for.
What causes breast cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when some cells in the breast tissue grow abnormally. As these abnormal, or malignant, cells multiply they begin to form a lump in the breast.
For most people with breast cancer, the abnormal cells first appear in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma), but they can also start in other parts of the breast, such the lobules, areola or skin. The cancer cells can then spread to other parts of the body, if left untreated.
Breast cancer experts aren’t entirely sure why these abnormal cells begin to grow in the breast but believe it’s a combination of familial (genetic), lifestyle and environmental factors. Sometimes there’s no rhyme or reason why one person with no risk factors for breast cancer is diagnosed with the disease, and another person with multiple risk factors never develops it.
Inherited breast cancer
About 5-10% of breast cancers are considered familial in nature, meaning they run in families. Certain genes have been identified that cause breast cancer, with the most common being BRCA1 and BRCA2. If you have a strong family history of breast cancer or other cancers, you should talk to your doctor about the possibility of genetic testing to learn more about your risk of developing breast cancer.
What are normal breast changes?
As you likely know, not every breast is the same. Plus, your breasts change regularly due to a variety of life factors, so how your breast feels today may be different from how it feels tomorrow.
The way your breasts look and feel can be affected by these life changes:
- Weight loss or gain
- Where you are in your menstrual cycle and whether you’re on your period
- Having children
- Breastfeeding
- Aging
- Other hormonal changes
There are other factors that can affect your breasts, so it’s important to be familiar with your breasts and know what “normal” feels and looks like for you. Download our breast awareness guide to learn more.
5 lesser-known symptoms of breast cancer
Learn about the 5 lesser-known breast changes that could indicate early symptoms of breast cancer.
Symptoms of breast cancer
Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if changes in your breasts are normal or a sign of breast cancer, but knowing your own body and what to look for can help inform your discussions with your doctor.
Common symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm (armpit) area
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- Changes in size, shape, skin texture or color of the breast
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Skin redness, swelling or flaking (almost like it’s scaly)
- Dimpling or puckering of the skin near the breast
- Fluid, other than breast milk, from the nipple, especially if it's bloody
- Nipple changes, such as pulling to one side or changing in direction
The presence of these signs and symptoms doesn't automatically mean you have breast cancer, but if you notice any of these breast changes, you shouldn’t ignore them, even if you’ve had a recent mammogram. It’s important to discuss any symptoms with your doctor, because they may indicate other health problems.
Additional signs of breast cancer
Certain types of breast cancer, like inflammatory breast cancer, have specific symptoms and typically don’t begin with a lump in the breast. Some additional signs of breast cancer can include:
- Pitting appearance that looks like an orange peel
- Sudden swelling or heaviness in one breast that makes it larger than the other
- Burning sensation or warmth in the breast
- Nipple retraction or inversion
Male breast cancer symptoms
Though breast cancer is most commonly considered a disease that affects women, it can also occur in men. The signs and symptoms of male breast cancer can include:
- A lump or thickening in or near the breast tissue
- Changes in size, shape, skin texture or color of the breast
- Dimpling or puckering
- Scaly, red or scaling skin
- Changes to the nipple, such as redness or scaling
- Nipple pulling to one side or a change in direction
- Discharge from the nipple
What if I find a lump in my breast?
It’s important to remember that other conditions can lead to a mass in your breast, but you should always mention any lumps you find or other breast changes to your health care providers. They can help you determine next steps, which could include a physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, biopsy or other test.
Our breast specialists are experts at diagnosing breast cancer and can help you identify issues in the earliest stages, leading to quicker access to treatments and better outcomes.
How to schedule a mammogram
Even if you have no signs or symptoms, one of the best ways to detect breast cancer is to get annual screening mammograms, starting at age 40 for women with no known risk factors. These can start even earlier for those with a family history of breast cancer.
In fact, many breast cancers are found by mammograms before any symptoms appear. Learn more about mammograms or call 800-240-4477 to schedule your mammogram today.
Related Resources
Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Breast Cancer Staging