Early Stages of Breast Cancer Symptoms

Breast awareness is key

Women with early breast cancer often don’t have pain or notice any breast changes. This is why routine screening tests are so important, as they can detect the disease in its early stages before there are any breast cancer symptoms.

Other women notice signs. Early signs of breast cancer can include:

• A lump, thickening, or swelling in or near your breast
• A lump, thickening, or swelling under your arm
• A change in the size or shape of your breast
• Skin on the breast becoming dimpled or puckered
• Skin on the breast turning red or purple
• Changes in the feel of the skin of your breast, such as turning itchy or scaly

Breast cancer nipple symptoms can include:

• Nipple discharge, especially if it is bloody
• Nipple inversion, meaning the nipple pulls back into your breast
• Nipple pain, tenderness, or aching
• The nipple becoming dimpled, puckered or turning red or purple
• A change in the feel the nipple, such as turning itchy or scaly

Many of these symptoms can mimic other health problems and do not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Find an RWJBarnabas Health physician who can diagnose your symptoms.

To contact one of New Jersey’s best breast cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or 844-226-2376.