The Breast Cancer Signs You Should Never Ignore

Spotting the symptoms, then getting a swift diagnosis and treatment is crucial in fighting back against this disease. Here’s what you need to be looking out for

A change in breast size or shape

This may be difficult to spot if changes happen gradually over time. And it’s perfectly normal for your breasts to change throughout your lifetime, especially during your menstrual cycle and just before, during and after the menopause, when oestrogen levels decrease – this can have an effect on the size, shape and softness of your breasts.

‘Early detection of breast cancer can save lives,’ says Samia al Qadhi, former Chief Executive at charity Breast Cancer Care. ‘So it’s vital that women know they should keep checking their breasts, even if they’re attending regular mammograms. ‘There’s no right or wrong way to check them – it’s about looking and feeling regularly, so any unusual changes are spotted quickly.’

To help you spot changes swiftly, try building a breast check into your regular routine. Doing it while you’re washing in the shower or bath is a great opportunity. Look at your breasts and feel them, as well as checking your chest area and underneath your arms.

A lump or swelling in your armpit

As well as lumps in the breast, another key sign is lumps or pain in the armpits – where your lymph nodes are located. So include your armpits when checking your breasts, and don’t forget your chest area, up to your collarbone. Any changes and rashes should be brought to your doctor’s attention.

A lump or area of thickened tissue