Breast cancer at its early stage can come with some changes in or around the breast itself.
Most times, the symptoms are not fully evident until much later.
One of the most common signs that appears at an early stage is a lump in the breast, and it can be followed by changes in the size, shape, or skin around the nipples.
According to the WHO’s 2026 information on breast cancer, breast cancer happens in women at any age after puberty, with rates increasing much later in life.
They also estimated that 2.4 million women were diagnosed globally in 2024 and 694,000 died from the disease.
However, most breast lumps and changes can be associated with other conditions that are not breast cancer.
But, these unusual changes still require immediate medical attention.
In this post, you will get to understand the early signs of breast cancer, the changes associated with it, and when to contact your doctor.
What Are the Early Signs of Breast Cancer in Women?
Breast cancer often comes with noticeable signs. Some of these possible signs of breast cancer include:
- When there is a new lump in the breast.
- A lump or swelling in the armpit.
- A thick or firm area in the breast or near the armpit.
- A change in breast size or shape.
- Swelling of part or all of a breast, sometimes without a lump.
- Skin dimpling or puckering.
- Redness or darkening of breast skin.
- Thickened skin around the nipple or breast.
- A change in nipple shape or direction, including a nipple that becomes newly inverted.
- Nipple discharge that is not breast milk, especially bloody discharge.
- A rash or other unusual change around the nipple.
However, in some cases, people have no signs or symptoms at all until much later.
Also, although these signs can be associated with breast cancer, they can also be associated with other conditions that are not cancer.
What Does a Breast Cancer Lump Feel Like?
A breast cancer lump can be hard and firm when touched. It can also be painless and sometimes fixed to surrounding tissue.
But, the American Cancer Society research shows that some breast cancers can also produce a lump that is soft, round, tender or painful.
However, it is important to note that not all lumps are cancerous.
Some lumps are benign, which means that they are not breast cancer, but are also conditions that can affect the breast, e.g., cysts, fibroadenomas, and fibrocystic changes.
This shows that you cannot determine whether a lump is cancerous simply by feeling it.
Nevertheless, the way your lump feels when you touch it can give your doctor useful information, which can then lead to proper medical assessment to know exactly what it is.
Can Breast Cancer Have No Symptoms?
Yes.
Early breast cancer often has no symptoms. So, one can feel normal, but would not know such a thing is growing in their body.
This is one reason screening can be important. The standard screening test for most women is mammography.
This screening is done to look for cancer in people who do not have signs or symptoms. Afterwards, proper medical evaluations will follow.
When Should You See a Doctor About a Breast Change?
You should see a doctor whenever there is a new or unusual:
- lump
- thickening
- swelling
- breast size/shape change
- skin change
- nipple inversion
- nipple rash
- nipple discharge
- underarm lump/swelling
- persistent breast symptom.
It is important to always follow up with your doctor after finding a breast lump or other breast change, even if you recently had a normal mammogram.
Do not wait and see if it will go away.
In Gleneagles Hospital, we always encourage people with an abnormal breast lump to seek medical care even when the lump does not hurt.
According to WHO Africa’s 2026 guideline, many breast cancers in the African Region are diagnosed at advanced stages.
This can be prevented or reduced to an extent if women are encouraged to seek medical attention once they notice any abnormalities in their breast.
How Is Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
When you meet your doctor for a proper diagnosis, there are some steps or procedures to go through.
They include:
1. Medical History
This is always the first step to diagnosis. Your doctor will not jump to a conclusion, but will ask about the symptoms, when they started and your personal medical history.
Your doctor will also like to know your family history and if any member of your family suffered from breast cancer.
It is important to be sincere and honest in your response as it helps your doctor to make important decisions.
2. Clinical Breast Examination
The next step is breast examination. This is where the healthcare professional examines your breasts and nearby areas for any form of abnormalities.
3. Imaging
After examination, there is a need for proper imaging.
Depending on your age, symptoms and clinical findings, your doctor might suggest either of these:
- Diagnostic mammography: This imaging can not confirm breast cancer, but can only identify abnormalities that look suspicious.
- Breast ultrasound.
- Breast MRI in some cases.
4. Biopsy
Now, if imaging identifies a suspicious area, a biopsy may be performed.
A biopsy is a medical procedure where your doctor removes a small sample of tissue or cells from an area that looks unusual.
The sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to determine what the cells are.
According to the National Cancer Institute, a biopsy is the only sure way to diagnose breast cancer”
But, it does not mean that a person has cancer. It is done to find out what an abnormal area actually is.
Can Young Women Get Breast Cancer?
Yes. Breast cancer can occur in women at any age after puberty, although the rates increase later in life.
So, breast cancer is not an illness that only affects older women. But, many breast changes in younger women can also be caused by benign conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions.
Can breast cancer cause breast pain?
It can, but breast pain by itself is usually not a sign of breast cancer. If you continually have pain accompanied by another breast change, it should be assessed medically.
What does a cancerous breast lump feel like?
There is no single way a cancerous lump feels. It may be hard, firm or irregular, but cancerous lumps can also feel soft, round, tender or painful. The way a lump feels cannot confirm whether it is cancer.
Can breast cancer cause nipple discharge?
Yes. Breast cancer can cause nipple discharge that is not breast milk, including bloody discharge. However, nipple discharge also has several non-cancerous causes.
Can breast cancer occur without a lump?
Yes. Breast cancer can cause skin, nipple or breast-size changes without a noticeable lump.
Are all breast lumps cancerous?
No. Most breast lumps are not cancerous. Cysts, fibroadenomas and other benign breast conditions can cause lumps.
Conclusion
A woman’s breast can naturally vary and can change with menstruation, pregnancy or after having children.
These changes are normal because they happen with the natural phenomenon of a woman’s body.
But when you notice a lump, skin change, discharge and an unusual swelling, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
It is important to know that most breast changes or lumps are not cancer. Do not always assume the worst.
In Gleneagles, we offer mammography and ultrasound as part of our services.
So, if you have any concerns about breast change, visit Gleneagles Hospital today for proper medical evaluations.
You can also learn more about our ultrasound services here.