Signs & Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programs
These programs help women receive the screening and diagnostic services needed to detect early signs of breast and cervical cancer. Find out if you qualify.
Warning signs of breast cancer include:
- Lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
- Change in size or shape of breast
- Change in size or shape of nipple
- Nipple discharge
- Change in color or texture of breast skin (i.e. dimpling, puckering or scaliness)
See your doctor immediately if you have one of these warning signs!
How much do you really know about breast cancer?
Breast Cancer Facts
- Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.
- Mammography can detect breast lumps too small to be felt. Mammography is the most accurate early detection technique.
The following conditions increase risk for breast cancer:
- History of breast cancer in close family members (mother, sister, daughter)
- Obesity
- High-fat diet
- Increasing age
- Early first menstrual cycle or late onset of menopause
- Never had children or had first child after age 30
However, more than 75 percent of all breast cancers occur in women with no known risk. To determine your risk for developing breast cancer you may use the National Cancer Institute's breast cancer risk assessment tool.
Breast self-examination (BSE) is easy to learn, convenient and free. Brochures describing how to perform BSE are available from the Center for Breast Health, the American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute.
