Because of better screening, breast cancer is often found before a woman has any physical symptoms. It is important, however, for women to know how her breasts normally look and feel so that she will know if there are any unusual changes to her breasts, and report these changes to her doctor.
Reasons to call your doctor include:
- A lump in or near your breast or under your arm
- Thick or firm tissue in or near your breast or under your arm
- A change in the size or shape of your breast
- Nipple discharge (fluid that is not breast milk)
- Nipple changes, such as a nipple that turns inward (inverted) into the breast
- Changes to your breast skin, areola, or nipple, such as itching, redness, scaling, dimpling, or puckering
Keep in mind that most breast changes are not cancer. For example, nipple discharge can be caused by birth control pills, some medicines, and infections. Or, a breast lump could be a cyst, which is a fluid-filled lump that is not cancer. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain. However, if you notice a change in your breast or you experience pain in your breast, call your doctor and schedule a visit. Don’t wait until your next checkup.
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Connect with other organizations
- American Cancer Society
- Breast Cancer Action
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, NCCDPHP, CDC
- National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, CDC
- National Cancer Institute, NIH
- Sister Study, NIEHS, NIH, HHS
- Susan G. Komen for the Cure
- Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization
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