Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer

Signs and Indicators of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer begins with abnormal cell growth within breast tissue and is the second leading cancer type affecting women. In 2013, over 232,000 women in the United States received diagnoses. It ranks as the most frequent invasive cancer among women globally, representing 16% of all female cancers and nearly a quarter of invasive cases. Globally, breast cancer causes about 18.2% of cancer-related deaths. Women aged 55 to 64 are most commonly diagnosed with this disease.

Early-stage breast tumors often don’t produce noticeable symptoms, emphasizing the importance of routine screenings.

This is why regular breast self-examinations and screenings are vital. As cancer progresses, symptoms may include:

1) A firm, irregular lump in the armpit that usually does not hurt

2) Changes in the size, shape, or texture of the breast or nipple, such as redness, dimpling, or skin puckering resembling an orange peel

3) Nipple discharge—ranging from bloody to clear, yellow, green, or pus-like

4) Skin rash around the nipple area

5) Skin dimpling over breast tissue

6) A hardened, marble-like area under the skin

Some symptoms may mimic inflammation, including itching, discomfort, swelling, nipple retraction, warmth, redness, or an orange peel-like skin texture. Advanced breast cancer symptoms might encompass:

Bone discomfort or pain

Persistent breast pain or tenderness

Skin ulcers

Swollen lymph nodes in the underarm area

Unintended weight loss

It’s important to understand that these signs do not always indicate cancer; benign conditions like cysts or infections can present similarly. Not all breast lumps are cancerous—less than 20% are malignant. However, any new symptom warrants prompt medical attention for early detection and treatment of potential breast cancer, regardless of age.