Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer accounts for nearly 30% of all cancers diagnosed in females each year.
Early detection remains key to successful treatment outcomes, and while many are aware of the more obvious symptoms, such as lumps in the breast, several other signs are often overlooked and, unfortunately, can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Understanding these signs is crucial in ensuring early detection and the best chance for effective treatment.
There’s no need to panic; the key here is to be aware of your body and know when to get a check-up with your provider.
Lumps
Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer, but they’re still overlooked regularly. Lumps can occur within the breast and in the armpit, where there are lymph nodes. Some are painless, some are painful. According to the American Cancer Society, a cancerous lump is typically hard, irregular in shape, and immovable, this isn’t always the case. Benign breast conditions such as cysts can also cause a lump-like areas, so it’s important to get imaging if this occurs. Even small or painless lumps should not be ignored.
Nipple changes
Nipple discharge, particularly if it is bloody or clear (not related to breastfeeding), can be an early sign of breast cancer. While discharge can be caused by benign conditions such as an infection, it is still important to rule out cancer as the underlying cause. Research published by the American Society of Clinical Oncology has shown that in some cases, discharge from one nipple may indicate the presence of a tumor in the milk ducts. Lastly, a nipple rash that looks like eczema and or nipple scaling that is can occur around the nipple would be concerning and should warrant further investigation.
Redness or Swelling
Redness, warmth, and swelling in the breast can be mistaken for a noncancerous infection or inflammation, which could lead to late prognosis. Breast cancer can sometimes make your breast look inflamed or irritated without any apparent reason, appearing very red or purplish in color. There might also be swelling of the lymph nodes located near collarbone or under the armpit. This could indicate inflammatory breast cancer (rare) but also possibly mastitis if breastfeeding or pregnant.
Dimpling
One of the less commonly recognized symptoms of breast cancer is the changing of texture. When there is cancer growing within the breast, it can start to disrupt the normal architecture of the breast. In cases of a rare form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, the tumor cells block the lymphatic channels that run through the breast skin, which results in the dimpled appearance. This textural change resembles an orange, and it aptly received the name “peau d’orange”.
Pain
Contrary to popular belief, breast cancer doesn’t always come pain-free. Most breast pain isn’t cancer related and most likely hormonal fluctuations. However, pain, tenderness, or burning within the breast or nipple can be a sign of inflammatory breast cancer or Paget’s Disease, which is among a rarer type of cancer. If pain is severe or persists, seekg medical attention.
Breast cancer can present with a variety of symptoms, many of which extend beyond the common lump in the breast. Being aware of these symptoms, along with conducting regular self-examinations and scheduling routine mammograms, can aid in early detection and better outcomes for all.