Symptoms of breast cancer in women
Main symptoms of breast cancer in women
Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
- a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
- a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts
- nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it
- a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
- pain in your breast or armpit which does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer
It's important to check your breasts regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.
There's separate information about symptoms of breast cancer in men.
See a GP if:
- you have a lump or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
- you have any changes in your breasts or nipples that are not normal for you
- you have pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away
Important
Some of these symptoms, including breast lumps, are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
Symptoms of secondary breast cancer
If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body it's called secondary breast cancer.
The symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. It can spread anywhere, but it most commonly affects the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
You may also have general symptoms including:
- feeling tired or having no energy
- loss of appetite or losing weight without trying to
- feeling unwell with no clear cause
- feeling or being sick
- difficulty sleeping
Find out more
What happens at your appointment
The GP will ask about your symptoms. They may also ask about any breast screening you've had before, and if anyone in your family has had breast cancer.
If you have a lump or unusual changes, the GP may ask to look at and examine your breasts.
You'll need to undress from the waist up, behind a screen. You can have a friend, family member or another member of staff in the room with you during the examination if you want.
Referral to a breast clinic
The GP may refer you for more tests or to see a specialist at a breast clinic if they think you have symptoms that need to be investigated.
This may be an urgent referral, usually within 2 weeks, if you have certain symptoms. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.