Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Checking your breasts regularly can be crucial to early diagnosis; when the chances of successful treatment are greatest.
Stay breast aware and follow these five easy steps:
- Know what is normal for you
- Look and feel your breasts (upper chest and armpits too)
- Know what changes to look for (see below)
- Report any changes without delay to your GP
- Make sure you attend breast screening if you’re 50 or over
What should I be looking for?
Everyone’s breasts are different; altering with age and at different times of the month. Lookout for changes that are unusual for you, such as:
Breasts
- Lumps or thickening of breast tissue
- Continuous pain
- One breast becomes larger or lower
- Puckering or dimpling of the skin
Nipples
- Becoming inverted (turned in), changing shape or position
- Developing a rash, crusting or producing discharge
Armpits
- Swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone
- Continuous pain
Not all lumps are cancerous
They may be benign cysts or overgrowth of tissue
But it is always important to report any changes to your GP
Inheriting breast cancer
If you are worried of a greater than average risk of breast cancer because of your family history, you may want to refer to OPERA, Macmillan Cancer Support's online personal education and risk assessment tool.
Breast Awareness in Men
Men can get breast cancer too - While it is rare, around 340 are diagnosed with the disease in the UK each year.
Be vigilant and look out for:
- Swelling or painless lumps in breast tissue, often towards the nipple
- Nipples that are tender, turned in or producing discharge
- Swelling underneath armpits
