Symptoms of breast cancer

In the early stages, breast cancer may not be painful and there may be no symptoms at all. As the cancer grows, you may start to notice changes in the breast or underarm, such as a lump. Signs and symptoms of breast cancer can include the following:

• Lumps. Breast cancer lumps vary and may be hard or soft and have rounded or uneven edges.
• Swelling of part of the breast
• Skin irritation or dimpling
• Nipple pain or the nipple turning inward
• Redness or scaliness of the nipple or breast skin
• Nipple discharge other than breast milk
• A lump in the underarm area

REMEMBER: These signs and symptoms do not necessarily mean that you have breast cancer. However, you should tell your doctor right away about any lump in the breast or underarm area and any changes in the skin of the breast, nipple, or areola (the area around the nipple).