Breast Cancer Facts

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Remember, lumps in the breast are very common, especially just before your period. Most lumps are not breast cancer.

Most often breast cancer is first noticed as a painless lump in the breast or armpit. You or your partner may discover the lump, or your doctor may find it during a routine physical exam or screening mammogram. Other signs might include:

• lump or swelling in the armpit
• changes in breast size or shape
• dimpling or puckering of the skin – thickening and dimpling skin is sometimes called orange peel
• redness, swelling and increased warmth in the affected breast
• inverted nipple – nipple turns inwards
• crusting or scaling on the nipple

Often, these symptoms are not caused by cancer. Other health problems can cause them. Testing is necessary to make a diagnosis.

Source: The Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca