--- title: Breast Cancer Symptoms date: 2026-06-30T00:00:00-04:00 author: Laura Prieto canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-symptoms" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Breast Cancer Symptoms ![BC Action Logo Square 1024x1024](https://assets.ourbodiesourselves.org/transforms/5e33171962ee2e090146dc44b79545ad/258604/BCAction-Logo-Square-1024x1024_2026-03-05-155049_anti_3dce4e28548f7c5543fba03b175c711a.jpg) This content originated with the education and advocay nonprofit, Breast Cancer Action. ![Adobe Stock 460123206](data:image/png;base64,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) The most common symptom of breast cancer is a lump in the breast or chest area that is not normally there. Many healthy breasts are lumpy, and most lumps are not cancerous. In fact, 80% of breast lumps that are biopsied are not cancer—they are benign. But you can’t tell whether a lump is cancer by the way it feels to you. Cancerous lumps have some features that make them feel different than non-cancerous lumps, but how they feel can differ from person to person. If you find a lump that is new or feels different to you, or feel thickening of the breast, you should be checked out by a healthcare provider right away. Breast cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the armpit or around the collar bone, so swollen lymph nodes or new lumps in those areas should also be checked by a healthcare provider. Other possible signs of breast cancer can be: - swelling of all or part of the breast; - redness of the skin of the breast; - eczema of the nipple; - dimpling of the skin; - the nipple turning inward; - nipple discharge other than breast milk; - breast pain. These symptoms can be caused by something other than cancer. For example, the most common cause of breast pain is changes in hormone levels caused by the menstrual cycle. Even though most of the time these symptoms do not indicate breast cancer, there is no way to be sure without getting it checked. If you have concerns about any of these or other symptoms or changes, please be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. Then if it’s cancer, you can start a treatment plan. If it isn’t, you can stop worrying. ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ breast cancer](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/breast-cancer) - [ understanding breast health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/understanding-breast-cancer) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Types of Breast Cancer There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective. ![A woman sits in front of her doctor to discuss her mamogram](data:image/png;base64,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) There are several ways to categorize different kinds of breast cancers. Each helps to give a better understanding of how a specific breast cancer behaves and what treatments are most likely to be effective.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-breast-cancer) [ResourcesRead ## Breast Cancer Risks: Facts & Myths This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't. ![A black and white photo of a woman's torso with her hands covering her breasts](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC0UlEQVRIiY1WUbblIAhLaPe/vnmLMZkPFLHtmzN+eHttJUACyp+fPwBJkIxgRETEdeW8R8SVbyKCJEmAtgFIsi0NSX22ZTvwMXJj/2sgl+aDjfaA9fZjRHttG05r+TsH1vp+bk5MmLXr6d1tGyAw5/xCMmlbNiWStGnnSrmFciQje4SV812rawPSigSSpJC/JEAAAEmRQW6AFiUW2ES6W0QGKJUhsH63dSw8cL3eqdx5LoO+bQGwc4+brc7hjtpGRHQAIINupDUKb8nkRGZme6Y7bNtXCzn/JobJ4Nr5y5gcqNxMv0jYtFUYNq4LOQOIgB0RXtlLDGVB9CAA35Iq0gw6YSRGKCKua+65rpm060KE7aq47yBy+QDIvJOFERGyHbGlsmDcs/SPPE2AJlavOBih5CODKA8AZN4iDi0Bll4AY6hpxj0IKVvTkZ/UmD0zUwXxCCKRigOfBVIYs/ctSbDVxEi2Vz6rVcjeZAO+xxiF/wawldLsVZZIGUoEAL7al/4TAKnUsi3FGCSDHJX9VnGP/MtGAVSP1BlB2h8kxxApUsr+R5HVsrhYVLO+VFQKWe47tUQyGydJSRHzDJEUEbYkRmx1vfOTKhovhqdSI5jWizoprR+JWOr6qIbNgbfMy31IMZO0vj493QAvDj5ILuuz1iJY1rHPrKVou465JOwlpBfJZXqdJMfhV+utSZfb3/mZJFclt06HCGattsH+0DvE7+7b9i2N8rGItVlth8/xEUTlsFNzRNA6qK8r1h3gbf0DpkRYUjxSlN20ACLyOsWH8byTbfOrVSx19EP/CKUDMBtLY7WsR8GcQTyTVeossAJgBLry6j5ZKGveV0fMMkS7Fz1uSr6zseQZ1e9IXBScXqfTRBNuD6Cla5HsJuPVeNEY/mQanYaUab/NlZfAvnixJQfl5sN6raxvPvW6Sx3ZLFfKjlFXmFbAG+VN7y9g+AvWgIFqhkGryQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) This resource untangles facts from fictions regarding what are real risk factors for breast cancer, and what aren't.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-risks-facts-myths) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## My Body, My Choice: Aesthetic Flat Closure after Mastectomy In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. When I woke up from surgery, I was horrified to discover that I was nowhere near flat as agreed. ![Skinsparingvsflat](data:image/png;base64,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) In 2016, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. When I woke up from surgery, I was horrified to discover that I was nowhere near flat as agreed.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-body-my-choice-aesthetic-flat-closure-after-mastectomy) [ResourcesRead ## Heart Disease: Sex-Related Differences in Presentation and Treatment Factors such as age, menopause and perimenopause, and breast cancer lead men and women to experience heart health--and heart attacks--very differently. This article explains the connections. ![Hush naidoo jade photography p A0uoltkwao unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Factors such as age, menopause and perimenopause, and breast cancer lead men and women to experience heart health--and heart attacks--very differently. This article explains the connections.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-disease-sex-related) [ResourcesRead ## Breast Cancer and Environmental Toxins The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health. ![Toxic household cleaners in front of a cabinet](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAED0lEQVRIiV2WXXb0NgxDL0Dl2/9bN9R9dB+NRfSBkifpHMV2NB6CPyAo/fP3X4RO9+5nP8/38zzP9/f38+/383w/30/v3btJA5Isl+2qqrKtsm0kJEQgkCQQkmAAQt4r5H3gfvK/+3ltdvLjrZz9sQ5Z5OD9QD0g+XhDEgF6v2ki0jpGBQKheffjy0o3kO4k6SQhnWNl/k3SHHhhCDRI9EBC62TpGM69sebHSehOdtLpTvdBG+t9ICXRx2cUqAkaCylS9DtbsLJ3GLNjeif9gTlITfdxy0qaGEwC8yBOqYEPzKRoX0c7e6e7u9N7bi8S3SSaWkjExFQTY2OTw6WJ441x9X4InbG8e+/s/Ymm9zzQfWojLoBIYVM+eFIuZcOBWdlPQifp7j1/+4Cdz6abi8FwycLG+/huxxWbOFLkG4dW7/1mKLuv+8f6rcTW3pp60BE0sbFwEeOiNqnEcUV9MbT6eWBS9MnSGH8rTYebMWhIJlFWynSpihTVpEjiihOcaFjEUPItbfcJqS9N6c7e5GIoA0CbqmSRni69fe2ISKu7E0L6NznHZjrdEHzo2ukdGhoRSzbpIy8SDIuUKCSwjpPh9XnauUOijhIROihMCcjOBNGizMe0I6Nk1jRa90jNWGQsdhQ+a1iY5l2QqEcbQNHghSYOIbksGgfzilgIHpFrEiqjNXEosomYsFBMhrWDetxWprcxaCW+4nnldPKh04oHXZOdlVcBGckzfRotMTgYHFVw8II6cjs6qwRHHQnt6CjxOzFydFWM7EVQZIUFBYvzUMjIK1of/dPNUII6MnYkSSMNRyfGR6arBYUW+oq+wkIrWmgdAPz1GQ8OneiwEjttrHgwFCut2EklHRMJFyr0hb7wQl9onU1r4a/f0+6u9JEaj9RokFIOK5l2e0Wp4oXH9MILFS6khf/MUBriTaMcWtTQ5qFFXYlOwaZ3Rr7rAODCi7oAtgZA9WdSpARFZ2C1BmMiKNPOSGZVtKNpxKREWVWpCaLwkksjrtKi/gh0JzyK1CKkVVtDvrxc3FDRjq/kWZRSxWctylRpAFRfbwRKZlTcCI7v2DdFO2zUI21MikqqGqO4zvWI+YkgGkpn5kSLVlplxaoJQqeVVEezmD1UzvIBqDFtHXZoqVYY0ZkCtIhoapMeLzgUMuXQqM9RSmClpHoBjEvlvBHIa1iqPgWAkK1I3voBQE2L7fH+pMjSIdIYfSOYcwaLWiOYQyExvSSyMVjyOZowmxG6h0ELE5vSzYllR8d9pCXV/OSImxqf+zWdo2BzWrR4xc4zc24CbXTcj4wksbA1MteR37k0ZbF+DAV8D4R95e5OZjSnlYshSUaKWEjknFwJOkdM6eLcU+17NWrQGcviY12/35QQ/wGAuJalh7BDwQAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) The incidence of breast cancer is rising faster than hereditary or lifestyle factors can explain. And there is growing evidence that exposure to a range of chemicals and toxins harms our health.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-and-environmental-toxins) [ResourcesRead ## Pills for Prevention What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates. ![A person refusing pills](data:image/png;base64,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) What is wrong with a pills-based approach to breast cancer prevention? This BCAction fact sheet describes the efforts to bring drugs to the market to reduce breast cancer incidence in healthy people, and the problems that approach creates.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pills-for-prevention) [ResourcesRead ## What to Do When Someone You Know Has Been Diagnosed with Breast Cancer What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis? ![Older Asian woman with cancer hugs friend](data:image/png;base64,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) What are the best ways to give emotional and practical support to a loved one with a breast cancer diagnosis?](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/support-loved-one-with-breast-cancer) [ResourcesRead ## An Introduction to Breast Cancer Breast cancer is both all too common and incredibly individual. Here is Breast Cancer Action's introduction to what we need to know. ![A woman in a pink t-shirt and pink scarf](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEm0lEQVRIiVVWW5LFuA4CpJz9b/CuYWo+O7bgfjg53ZNyOZWHQcIPxH//90+A2J6ZvWftude+77nXrOW1Mxs2E5JVVFVd1VfruupqXc2r2Y0qlCBFChkyBEAFAIJzBQjyfTyvnpcAkuDPH39H5Tz+HXl+7DMq50LO6OfRzw0xkhAhEiaO/f7hB/0ZfXAQICSCfqJ6fj5jHSd+H+wjkQkiJijIzMgl2MrAhPQfAgJByI4TvMEe3AfWnjkNNmMSCMFQGRFFDFGESYseEOARQTFABGjbAGx7/F7zhZ492RMPYyIpAQZDggJFDCGSJAESZEDod046doK8yB57nxV12s5emZfARASYNBQIEUKIL9k766BCgGiPk+QVZPbMg75n7Vnba2E2YjI1iAsY0GBARIgYkSLJ3ySIiAh7xkhse9t7POO9vWfWzDpbYWUveMSkUBbSR6gQJYAniUcjAIcAEID2nodgvrHPrD1rnU039529mG1YxYySDb5JCBAlhjoZkAwGAgCQ7T1BMp4Z7/F6lPluaf/c2Te8CauQi0gTj0QQ8UgkSe/Un28A1Z7JI9GeNbPHa2Ztn/B/lu8768YsYlLBiC8BRZRQSpVUYZEilWfBIkTPV6J91N+zX/R7+b7n5879g1nEToHDyUWGgosssQoqqHgaBQowdFbRSzD7SDRe+7f9bP+s3Df2TWxUxiLGikW32M1qVKO2qqGJCmPCAEP/EuQQ7J3Tr+17e638rNwLewE75URhUkyXV6tX+srszGQmGsqgQwOE2J5B4rH3ZObQZE/2YG3cO/fOz8ZeJwNEEFDKtbF2rskebKedMcuxYeMQQJ13FXnmy/Ft2OYarMEaYlghgxIucxnbHONtGcPml4CM0ZmH4MlxjBnMO3ib+/RhokSKrmiDE82zH+DQoQMnDhzo6fs52U8UfnqOaXMiJwYGGCoUKatGMsuSSR/NQQM5fZDEAY2TAYB48kV3mMhJAgPhc9ygKqhUpStdKaUqUsSQAY9zOUgYJwTSsAPgCBczZsJEOJ5EQGCRPrdiFa9CF7pQSvHQn3M1fLz18VF34mOqB/pY4nFqkKIgQaWCkCqWqnRJn+JHvMQmmihACAMweK07IJqPGfto90KDpMhIVLMgSEG11FV1lT7SR/yIF9lgAQp0dDpJnCKhT8h4YwciAMe0JFSxQ1OsAqtegvpIH+lDXmADDVYoQ2emH99h+lsTHK86MpLIQS+zoEtSCqwqdVVfqo/qI13UBV1RhxUIoJ+T6GFo4tHsxP3oo6ORWMWm4BILp+rq6kt9qT6sC7rADissU3g5XvNMPw6KBDieFH7RxSq1hJRZVKmqL3WrLtUFXXzC73NWv5Z53ODJ4FuQnfBJkhIkqVgoR0BFBVW1+smAdbEa6qOPKVChAoq/VV+/uCEf3mOuFCWpIKfAiopVqqpL1VJTTXXUYFmFA41nwx2JQvzN4HeBfkWSVIU/BF1VUquaKrDACgtP+DwL5JUaBPpvtXqm5iRwyhAR0slcYklFlVTk41/RMWE9FcsbO9/isR/IvB94kngzeW9P/SaKIqX3w39S5oPFXznwf86X1TEdCAmMAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC) Breast cancer is both all too common and incredibly individual. Here is Breast Cancer Action's introduction to what we need to know.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/breast-cancer-overview)