First Signs of Breast Cancer

Watch for bruising on or around the breasts that may sometimes change color. The bruises may fade and return; however, they do not disappear. This is a first sign of breast cancer and an appointment should be made with your health care professional to schedule testing.

Lymphnodes on your neck may swell as one of the first signs of breast cancer. There may be thickening of the skin on or around the breasts. You may feel small lumps under the skin, which may be benign or malignant; this will be determined through a biopsy and further testing.

Breasts may swell suddenly without warning. This may be a sign of an aggressive form of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer, which is particularly aggressive in younger women due to their plentiful supplies of estrogen, which enables the cancer to travel rapidly to vital organs. Older women with this form of cancer may have a better survival rate than that of younger women due to their waning estrogen supplies, slowing down the growth of the cancer.

Other early signs of breast cancer include itching of the breasts and a pink or red rash accompanying the itching. Breasts may change color from pink to dark red and the nipples may invert and sometimes have discharge.

Breasts may be pitted, such as the texture found on an orange peel; this is a dimpling of the skin called peau d'orange. Armpit skin may thicken. These are tell-tale signs of breast cancer and should be further investigated by your health professional.

Breast self-exams should be performed once a month to discover abnormalities in the breasts and the skin around them. The self-exam should be performed while lying flat. Your arms should be outstretched and placed above your head as if you were sunbathing. With the index finger and the forefinger of your left hand making small circular motions, feel your right breast for lumps, different textures and rashes. Make sure the nipples are not inverted. Note rashes or itching. Repeat the process with your right forefinger and index finger examining your left breast. If abnormalities are suspected, an appointment should be scheduled with your health professional for thorough testing.