Health News

Breast cancer symptoms that aren’t lumps – the 7 signs you shouldn’t ignore

Julia Bradbury discusses her breast cancer diagnosis

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

According to Coppafeel, one in seven women in the UK will experience breast cancer in their lifetime. The condition can also affect men, although this is much rarer, so blokes should check their chests too. You should check your breasts regularly, but it’s not just lumps you should be looking for. These are the seven lesser-known signs of breast cancer you should never ignore.

Women are told to check their breasts for lumps regularly, in order to spot any irregularities that could be breast cancer.

It’s incredibly important you follow this advice, as an early diagnosis could save your life.

However, while lumps are the most common symptom of breast cancer, they aren’t the only symptom.

The advice from Coppafeel UK is to ‘get to know your boobs’, so you can spot any changes to the feel or appearance of your breasts.

Here are seven of the more unusual symptoms of breast cancer you need to look out for when you check your breasts.

‘Dimpling’ on the breast

Cancer Research describes the texture of dimpling on the breast as looking similar to ‘orange peel’.

This can be caused by other conditions, but you must get it checked by a doctor.

A lump in the armpit

It’s not just lumps in your breasts you should be checking for, in some cases people develop lumps in their armpit.

This is because your lymph glands have become swollen. Lymph glands tend to swell if you have a cold or another type of infection, but in some cases the lymph glands in your armpit swelling can be a symptom of breast cancer.

Change in the breast shape or size

Breast cancer could cause your breast to feel heavier, to change shape or feel different.

Your breasts can change size due to hormonal changes or weight gain, but if you feel this is out of the ordinary, and there’s no obvious cause for the change in size, get it checked by a doctor.

Inverted nipple

An inverted nipple is where your nipple appears to have sunken into the breast or turn inwards. This can affect one or both nipples.

Rash on the nipple

A rash on the nipple could be caused by a number of different skin conditions, however if it persists and concerns you, get it checked by your doctor.

DON’T MISS:
Pfizer booster shot: The ‘unexpected’ side effect after third dose [UPDATE]
Dawn French: Star’s life-changing surgery after health scare [INSIGHT]
Breast cancer symptoms: 12,000 women predicted to have a tumour [ANALYSIS]

Discharge from your nipple

Fluid leaking from your nipple can happen if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, but if your nipple is leaking you should seek medical advice.

Pain in your breast

Breast pain can be caused by many different things, and many women notice tender or painful breasts around the time they’re due on their period.

But if you have persistent breast pain, see your doctor to find out what could be causing it.

If you notice any changes to your breast that concern you, or you think could be symptoms of breast cancer, make sure you see your doctor as soon as possible.

How to check your breasts for lumps

We’ve covered the seven more unusual symptoms of breast cancer to look out for, but the most common symptom is a lump in the breast.

It is crucial you keep checking your breasts for lumps regularly.

Most breast lumps don’t turn out to be cancer, but if you find a lump you should see a doctor immediately.

Make checking your breasts part of your regular routine, you can do it while you’re in the shower, or while you’re getting dressed.

You should feel all around your breasts, from your ‘underboob’ all the way up to your armpits and collarbone.

Source: Read Full Article