Health: The appearance of a new lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit is often painless, hard, and has irregular edges; this is the most classic early sign.
Unexplained changes in the size, shape, or contour of the breasts. Sudden asymmetry or swelling appearing for no apparent reason.
The skin retracts or puckers. It may have an orange peel appearance when the cancer spreads from the inside.
Redness or rashes on the breast that do not heal. They may be warm or inflamed.
Nipple retraction (inversion). A sudden change from its normal appearance.
Scaly, red, or peeling nipple skin. This may resemble eczema but persists.
Unusual nipple discharge. Clear, bloody, or other fluid—other than breast milk—especially on one side.
Persistent pain or tenderness in a specific area of the breast or nipple.
Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone.
A feeling of warmth or heaviness in a breast that doesn’t go away.
But here’s the most interesting part: some cancers, especially aggressive forms, don’t present any visible lumps. That’s why knowing these 10 subtle signs is more important than you might think.
For a quick overview based on recommendations from the American Cancer Society and the CDC:
Read more on the next page.
Skin dimpling or redness. Orange peel texture or inflammation. May signal inflammatory types.
Nipple discharge. Bloody or clear, spontaneous. May involve the milk ducts.
Unexplained change in size/shape. Swelling or asymmetry. Alters the normal structure of the breast.
Swollen lymph nodes. In the armpits or collarbones. Possible sign of spread.
Practice breast self-exams: simple steps you can take today.
Formal monthly breast self-exams are no longer strictly recommended by some experts, as self-knowledge has been shown to be more effective than rigid routines. Instead, it is advised to focus on how your breasts usually look and feel.
