Early Signs of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore
Breast cancer doesn’t always come with obvious symptoms, which is why awareness and early detection are so important. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. While some breast changes are harmless, others may be early signs of something more serious.
Knowing what to watch for—and when to reach out to a physician—can make all the difference. At Serenity Breast Health and Wellness, we believe in helping you stay informed, proactive, and confident in your care.
A New Lump or Thickening in the Breast or Underarm
Not all lumps are cancerous, but any new lump or area of thickened tissue should be checked by a physician. These changes may feel firm, painless, and different from the rest of your breast tissue.
If you notice a lump that wasn’t there before, schedule an appointment to have it evaluated.
Changes in Breast Shape or Size
Subtle changes to the shape, size, or contour of your breast—especially if only one breast is affected—can be an early indicator of a developing issue. These changes might not cause discomfort, which is why visual awareness is key.
Look for asymmetry or distortion that wasn’t present previously.
Skin Changes
Certain skin changes on or around the breast can be red flags, including:
Dimpling (like an orange peel)
Redness or warmth
Thickening or swelling
Itching or scaling of the skin
If the skin on your breast looks or feels different and the change doesn’t go away, have it checked by a doctor.
Nipple Changes
Your nipples can also signal potential concerns, such as:
Nipple turning inward (inversion)
Sudden change in direction or shape
Crusting, flaking, or discharge (especially if it’s clear or bloody)
Any new or unusual nipple changes should be evaluated, even if you’re not experiencing pain.
Persistent Pain or Discomfort
Most breast cancers do not cause pain in the early stages, but ongoing, unexplained discomfort in one area of the breast or underarm should not be ignored. If breast pain is interfering with your daily life or feels different from the usual hormonal tenderness, don’t wait to seek answers.
Swelling in the Armpit or Collarbone Area
Lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone may swell if breast cancer has spread. If you notice swelling or a lump in these areas—especially without an infection or other explanation—it’s worth discussing with your physician.
What to Do If You Notice a Change
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, don’t panic—but don’t wait either. Early evaluation can rule out serious concerns or catch a problem before it becomes more difficult to treat.
At Serenity Breast Health and Wellness, we specialize in guiding you through the breast health journey with expert care and support. Dr. Jilma Patrick, a board-certified and fellowship-trained breast surgeon, partners with patients to:
Review and interpret imaging results (performed at an outside radiology center)
Evaluate personal and family history of breast cancer
Develop personalized screening and surveillance plans
Discuss surgical options when needed or offer second opinions
Listen to Your Body. Trust Your Gut.
You know your body best. If something feels off—even if you’re not sure what it means—trust your instincts. It’s always worth speaking to a doctor about new changes in your breast health.
Request an appointment with Dr. Patrick at Serenity Breast Health and Wellness and get the personalized support you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Early signs may include a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm, changes in breast shape or size, nipple inversion or discharge, persistent breast pain, skin changes (like dimpling or redness), or swelling in the armpit or collarbone area.
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No, not all lumps are cancerous—many are benign. However, any new lump or area of thickened tissue should be evaluated by a physician to rule out serious concerns.
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Redness, swelling, dimpling (orange-peel texture), itching, thickening, or scaling of the skin on or around the breast can be warning signs and should be checked if they persist.
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Changes like inversion, new discharge (especially clear or bloody), crusting, flaking, or a change in direction or shape of the nipple can be signs of a potential issue.
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Breast pain isn’t common in early-stage breast cancer, but persistent, unexplained pain in one area of the breast or underarm should not be ignored.
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Swelling or a lump in these areas could indicate enlarged lymph nodes, which may be a sign that cancer has spread. This should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
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Don’t panic, but don’t wait either. Contact your physician or a breast health specialist for evaluation. Early detection offers the best chance for successful treatment.
