Early Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with more than 2.3 million new cases diagnosed each year (WHO, 2022). In India, breast cancer has now overtaken cervical cancer as the leading cause of cancer among women, accounting for nearly 25% of all cancers in Indian women (ICMR-NCRP, 2020). Unfortunately, many cases are detected at later stages because early signs are subtle and often overlooked.

Recognising the early signs of breast cancer can save lives. Detecting the disease in its initial stages significantly increases the chances of successful treatment, faster recovery, and improved survival rates. Being aware of these early warning signs and understanding the importance of timely detection through regular screenings can make a significant difference in outcomes.

Why Early Detection Matters?

Not all breast cancers show up as a lump. Some women may notice subtle changes in breast shape, nipple appearance, or skin texture, while others may have no apparent symptoms. Recognising the early signs of breast cancer helps make regular self-examinations and timely screenings more effective.

Breast cancer survival strongly depends on the stage at diagnosis. In India, survival rates drop significantly when detection happens in Stage III or IV. Detecting cancer early not only improves survival chances but also allows for less invasive and more effective treatment. Venkateshwar Hospital provides advanced breast cancer diagnostics, organ-specific expertise, and minimally invasive treatment options, ensuring early detection and better outcomes.

Early Signs of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

Being aware of the early signs of breast cancer can help detect the disease sooner and improve treatment outcomes:

1. Lump in the Breast or Underarm

A lump is the most recognised symptom, usually complex, painless, and with irregular edges. Some lumps may be soft or tender. Any lump that persists beyond the menstrual cycle should be evaluated.

2. Change in Breast Size or Shape

Unexplained asymmetry, bulging, or flattening may indicate a tumour. Hormonal changes can cause temporary swelling, but persistent changes require medical attention.

3. Nipple Discharge (Especially Bloody or Clear)

While nipple discharge is often benign, bloody or clear fluid not linked to breastfeeding can be an early sign of breast cancer. It may appear spontaneously or only with nipple pressure.

4. Skin Changes on the Breast

Changes in the skin can signal underlying issues. Watch for:

• Redness or persistent rash
• Dimpling (peau d’orange appearance)
• Localised thickening
• Ulceration around the nipple

5. Nipple Retraction or Inversion

A nipple that was previously outward but suddenly becomes inverted or retracted may indicate a tumour pulling it inward.

6. Persistent Breast or Armpit Pain

Breast pain alone is rarely a sign of cancer, but constant pain or tenderness in the breast or armpit that doesn’t resolve after the menstrual cycle should be checked.

7. Swelling Around the Collarbone or Armpit

Firm swelling of lymph nodes near the collarbone or armpit can suggest that cancer cells have spread to nearby lymphatic tissues.

When to See a Doctor?

If you notice any of these changes, consult a doctor promptly. At Venkateshwar Hospital, specialists rely on advanced diagnostic tools such as:

• Mammogram – a low-dose X-ray to detect tumours invisible to touch.
• Ultrasound – helps differentiate between solid lumps and cysts.
• Biopsy – the definitive test to confirm cancer.
• MRI – recommended for high-risk or complex cases.

Timely and accurate diagnosis at the right centre ensures personalised treatment planning and significantly improves outcomes.

How to Perform a Breast Self-Examination (BSE)?

A Breast Self-Examination (BSE) helps women identify the early signs of breast cancer by understanding how their breasts usually look and feel, making it easier to notice any unusual changes. Breast self-awareness is beneficial, although BSE is not universally recommended as a formal screening method. 

Steps to follow:

1. Visual Inspection in Front of a Mirror: Check for changes in size, shape, symmetry, skin texture, or nipple position.
2. Arm Movements: Raise your arms above your head and look for any dimpling or distortion.
3. Palpation While Lying Down: Use the pads of your fingers to feel the breast in a circular motion, moving from the outer edges to the nipple.
4. Palpation While Standing (e.g., in the shower): Wet skin makes it easier to feel for lumps. Cover the entire breast and armpit area.

The best time for breast self-awareness is a few days after menstruation, when breasts are least tender. If you detect any new or unusual changes, share them with your doctor.

Regular Screening and Preventive Measures

Screening recommendations:

Preventive lifestyle steps:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• 150 minutes of exercise weekly
• A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Limit alcohol, avoid smoking.
• Breastfeeding, which lowers the lifetime risk

Myths About Breast Cancer Symptoms

Misunderstandings about breast cancer can delay noticing the early signs of breast cancer and seeking timely medical help. 

Knowing the facts helps women act early:

Myth: Only painful lumps are dangerous.

Fact: Most breast cancer lumps are painless. Pain is not a reliable indicator.

Myth: Only older women need to worry about breast cancer.

Fact: While risk increases with age, younger women can also develop breast cancer.

Myth: Breast cancer always presents as a lump.

Fact: Some types, such as inflammatory breast cancer, may cause redness and swelling without a lump.

Myth: Men do not get breast cancer.

Fact: Male breast cancer is rare but possible, and often diagnosed at a later stage.

Conclusion

Breast cancer may present with many different signs, from lumps and nipple changes to skin alterations and swelling in nearby lymph nodes. Not all changes are cancerous, but being aware of the early signs of breast cancer can help ensure timely evaluation.

Recognising these symptoms early, undergoing regular screenings, and consulting doctors promptly remain the most effective ways to improve treatment outcomes. Awareness is the first step, and sharing this knowledge can help more women detect breast cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage.

Read more about – Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should you not do when you have breast cancer?

Avoid delaying treatment, skipping follow-ups, or relying only on home remedies. Never self-medicate or ignore new symptoms, and follow your doctor’s advice on lifestyle, diet, and safe activities.

2. What is the first symptom of breast cancer that most people notice?

Most often, it’s a lump in the breast or underarm, usually firm and painless. Some may first notice nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or changes in breast size or shape.

3. How can you lower your risk of breast cancer?

You can’t always prevent it, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing weight, exercising, limiting alcohol, avoiding smoking, and getting regular screenings helps. Discuss personal risks with your doctor.

4. What happens if you don’t treat breast cancer?

Untreated breast cancer can grow and spread to lymph nodes or organs like lungs, bones, liver, or brain. This makes it harder to treat and lowers the chances of recovery. Progression varies by type.

5. How to manage anxiety about breast cancer?

Feeling worried is natural. Regular screenings, staying informed, and talking to doctors, counsellors, or support groups can ease fears and provide support both medically and emotionally.

6. Do’s and Don’ts for breast cancer?

Do follow medical advice, attend all cancer treatments and follow-ups, eat well, stay active, and seek emotional support. Don’t delay care, miss screenings, ignore new symptoms, and donot rely on unverified therapies.

Know more about – How does chemo & radiation therapy help in the case of Breast Cancer?

Medically Reviewed by —  Dr. Deepika Chauhan (Sr. Consultant & Unit Head – Radiation Oncology)