Breast cancer often has no symptoms at first; this is why mammograms matter [3]. The most common symptom is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit; a change in breast size or shape, discharge that is not milk, a change in the shape of the nipple, and skin changes such as redness, scaling, swelling or dimpling are also symptoms [3]. Most breast changes are not cancer, but any new change should be checked, even if your recent mammogram was normal [3].
Symptoms of breast cancer
| Symptom | Explanation | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A lump or thickening | A lump in or near the breast, a lump in the armpit, or an area that has become firm and thick [3] | Show any new lump to your doctor |
| A change in breast size or shape | One of the symptoms [3] | See your doctor for an examination |
| Nipple discharge | Discharge that is not milk [3] | Have it checked, especially bloody discharge |
| A change in the nipple | A change in the shape or direction of the nipple, or flattening [3] | Have a new inverted nipple checked |
| Skin changes | Scaling or swelling, redness or darkening, itching, spots, dimpling or puckering [3] | If it lasts several weeks, see your doctor |
| General swelling of the breast | One of the symptoms [3] | See your doctor for an examination |
This table does not replace an examination by a doctor; in most people these symptoms have a benign cause.
The path to diagnosis
- 1
Examination
The doctor examines the breasts and the lymph nodes in the armpits.
- 2
Imaging
Mammography and ultrasound of the breast and armpit; sometimes MRI [5].
- 3
Needle biopsy
Taking a small piece of tissue guided by ultrasound or mammography [5].
- 4
Testing the sample
The type of cancer, how aggressive it is, and the hormone receptors and HER2 are determined so that treatment can be chosen [5].
When should I call my doctor?
Most breast lumps and changes are benign. Even so, tell your doctor about any new change you find — a lump, a skin or nipple change, or discharge that is not milk — even if you recently had a normal mammogram [3]. A change that lasts more than a few weeks, especially after your period has ended, must be checked.
Found a new lump? See step by step what to do: I have found a lump in my breast; what should I do?
Related questions
Is breast pain a sign of cancer?
Usually not; breast cancer is usually painless, and several harmless conditions cause breast pain or tenderness [3]. But have pain checked if it persists or comes with a lump or another change.
My mammogram was normal, but I can feel a lump; what should I do?
See your doctor. Even with a recent normal mammogram, any new breast change must be followed up [3].
I have a family history; how high is my risk?
Most women with a family history never develop breast cancer, but inherited mutations raise the risk a lot: in one study, about 7 in 10 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation developed it by age 80 [6]. Talk to your doctor about genetic counselling.
Related cancer types
References
6 referencesShow all references, 5 with a study cardClose the reference list
Numbers in the text, such as [1], refer to these sources. Sources with a “Study card” button are summarised in the site’s evidence library.
- 1Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries
- 2Breast cancer
- 3
- 4Screening for Breast Cancer
- 5
- 6Risks of Breast, Ovarian, and Contralateral Breast Cancer for BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers
This page is based on reputable scientific sources and was last updated on 28 October 2026. The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a specialist physician. Consult your treating physician about any treatment decision.
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