Know the Signs: Breast Cancer Symptoms

Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer improves survival rates for breast cancer exponentially, catching cancer when it is the most treatable. Familiarize yourself with the signs of breast cancer and bring any concerns to your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms. Be aware that some of these symptoms may indicate a health issue other than breast cancer, but they should all be brought to the attention of a healthcare provider to be assessed and treated.

  • Lumps in the breast or underarm
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit
  • Pain or tenderness of the breast or nipple
  • Change in the skin or appearance, particularly:
    • All of or part of the breast shrinking or swelling
    • Recently occurring breast asymmetry
    • Changes in the texture of the breast skin, like pitting, flaking or pore enlargement
    • Indentations or flattening of an area on the breast
    • Redness or changes in temperature
  • Change in the nipple, including
    • Pulling inward
    • Dimpling of the nipple or areola
    • Itching
    • Burning
    • Rash
  • Discharge from the nipple

Sometimes, There Are No Symptoms

In some women, breast cancer develops for a period of time with no noticeable signs or symptoms that only a practitioner would recognize. However, early diagnosis improves outcomes and life-expectancy, so it is important for every woman to have regular exams during their yearly OBGYN check-up, follow the guidelines for mammograms and assess her genetic risk with a healthcare provider. Mammography imaging can pick up lumps or irregularities that cannot yet be perceived by the human eye or through a self-exam.

Experiencing these Symptoms?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your OBGYN or healthcare provider or contact our Breast Health Center today to schedule an appointment with one of our physicians. Call us at 706-774-4141.

Again, these symptoms could be a sign of conditions other than breast cancer, but any of these symptoms should be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider as soon as possible for treatment.