Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

In most cases, breast cancer takes several months or even several years to develop. It may initially develop without any signs or symptoms. This is why it is important to follow screening recommendations, in order to detect the disease even before it manifests. 

Different signs and symptoms of breast cancer can appear as the disease develops. It is important to know what they are so they can be detected during chest and breast observation.

Ductal carcinoma is the most frequent type of breast cancer. The most common and best-known sign is a visible lump or a palpable mass in the breast or underarm. A cancerous mass feels different than the rest of the breast tissue. It is generally hard and attached to the rest of the tissue.  

However, ductal carcinoma and other types of breast cancers can manifest in multiple ways. Moreover, certain signs or symptoms are particularly associated with certain types of breast cancer. This is the case for Paget’s disease, which appears on the nipple, and inflammatory breast cancer, the signs of which are similar to an infection and can appear rapidly.  

Watch out for the different possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

• A mass on the breast
• A lump or bulge 
• Hollows (retraction), dimples or folds in the skin of a breast 
• Enlarged lymph nodes 
• Recent change in breast size or shape
• Spontaneous (without stimulation) unilateral nipple discharge
• Recent nipple retraction (turned inward) 
• Crusting, scaling, persistent eczema or ulceration of the nipple  
• Thickness or hardening of the breast skin or tissue (skin resembles orange peel)
• Recent redness in the skin, nipple or areola  
• Purplish skin or new, more visible veins 
• Sensation of heat or burning  

Most changes identified in the breast are caused by non-cancerous (benign) conditions.  

If you notice these types of changes, or if you have any concerns, consult a general practitioner, gynecologist or specialized nurse immediately. Don’t wait for your next appointment or your next mammogram. During the consultation, the medical professional may perform a clinical breast examination, assess your personal risk of breast cancer or prescribe diagnostic tests if they feel it is necessary.

Breast pain is most often associated with a non-cancerous condition. However, although breast cancer is not generally painful, you should consult a doctor if you experience unusual or persistent sensations or pain.

Over time, if the cancerous mass progresses or spreads to other parts of the bodies, other signs and symptoms can appear, such as deterioration in overall condition and pain. Learn more about metastatic breast cancer.

Breast observation

Breast cancer can develop without our being able to observe the slightest signs or symptoms in the very early stages of the disease. This is why it is important to follow screening recommendations, so the disease can be detected before it even manifests. 

However, if signs appear as the breast cancer develops, you want to detect them as soon as possible. Breast observation at any age allows you to get to know your breasts so that you can notice any changes and quickly report them to a health professional.

What does breast observation entail?

A few years ago, doctors taught breast self-examination, a very precise method for detecting breast changes. However, breast self-examination is no longer recommended, as it is no longer considered an effective screening method.  

Nonetheless, you must be vigilant and report any new and persistent change in your chest or breasts to a doctor. One method is not better than another for monitoring these changes. The key is simply for each woman to know their entire breast region — which includes all breast tissue to the clavicle, including the underarms as well as the nipples — so they can distinguish what is normal from what is unusual. 

Breast observation refers to both what you can see — breast shape; appearance of skin, nipple and areola — and feel.  

In general, most changes identified in the breasts are found to be caused by benign (non-cancerous) conditions.  

You should also be aware that it is normal for breast tissue and breast appearance to evolve with age, life events (puberty, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause) and during the different menstrual cycle phases. For example, the breasts can sometimes be lumpier or more sensitive leading up to menstruation.  

This is why you should pay attention to any new persistent change, which means a change that doesn’t disappear in the course of the menstrual cycle.

If you notice such a change or if you have any concerns, regardless of your age, consult a general practitioner, gynecologist or specialized nurse immediately. Don’t wait for your next follow-up appointment or mammogram. During the consultation, the healthcare professional may perform a clinical breast exam, assess your personal risk of breast cancer or prescribe diagnostic tests if they believe it is necessary. 

You can also read our blog post What should I do if I feel a lump in my breast? .

If you have questions or concerns about breast observation, consult a medical professional or call the Peer support helpline at 1 855 561-PINK (7465).You can also consult our Resources Directory for resources that meet your needs.   

To learn more about best practices for breast health, download or order our educational material free of charge.