Syptoms
For many women, the first sign of breast cancer is a new lump in the breast. A potentially cancerous lump may be painless and hard with rough-feeling edges. However, breast tumors can also be tender, painful, soft, or smooth. Because of this variation in symptoms, it is important to know your breasts well, through self-examination, so you can detect any new changes.
Breast cancers may, however, cause no symptoms at all. For this reason, it is important to get breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms, on the schedule advised by your doctor. If you do notice a new breast lump or breast change, we recommend that you have it checked by a medical provider without delay.
Other symptoms of breast cancer may include:
- Breast or nipple pain
- Swelling, either in the whole breast or part of it
- Irritated skin
- New dimples in your breast
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk
- Nipple retraction (when a nipple takes on a caved-in appearance)
- Redness, roughness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin
