Breast Cancer Symptoms: Natural Changes in Breasts
Breasts change throughout your life. They can feel and look different at various ages. It’s important to know your breasts well, so you can notice any changes that may need attention.
Breast Cancer Symptoms: What Is Normal?
There are a number of variations that are considered normal:
- Uneven breastsIt's normal for breasts to not be exactly the same size.
- Retracted nipplesSome women naturally have inverted nipples.
Glands and Nodules
- Clearance tissueThis can feel bumpy under the skin.
- LumpsThese can indicate tumours, but often they are harmless cysts or connective tissue nodules.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer: What Does a Lump Feel Like?
- Hard and smoothLike a marble.
- Harder or sturdier areaFeels different from the rest of the breast.
- Elongated swellingOr a thickened disc.
Breast Cancer Symptoms: What to Look Out For on Self-Examination
- Hard lumps
- Dimples
- Lumps or hardening
- Skin changesOrange peel, flakiness, or redness.
- Change in breast shape or size
- Red and warm chest
- Large vein in chest
- Nipple changesRedness, flakiness, eczema, or an inverted nipple (unless this has always been the case).
- Nipple dischargeBloody, watery, milky or greenish.
- Pain or swelling in the breast or armpit
Breast Cancer Symptoms: How to Check Your Breasts
Step 1 Take your time According to Professor Eric de Jonge, it is important to perform a breast self-examination in a concentrated and careful manner. Take sufficient time and use the correct technique. Avoid performing self-examinations when your breasts feel tense, as breast tissue changes during the menstrual cycle. The ideal time for a self-examination is approximately ten days after the start of your period, when your breasts feel soft. Can your partner help with this? Yes, certainly, as long as they are properly instructed.
Step 2 Observe your breastsEnsure you are completely undressed, with no bra half-hanging. Then, stand in front of a mirror, or ask your partner to look, and observe your breasts. It is normal for breasts not to be perfectly symmetrical; one breast may be slightly larger than the other. This is very common. Look at the shape of your breasts, skin colour and nipples while keeping your hands by your sides. Check for any dimpling or retractions of the skin or nipples. Look straight ahead, not from the side. Next, raise your arms above your head. This helps to put the breast tissue in a natural position, making any skin retractions more visible. A lump under the skin may make the skin less mobile, causing it to pull inwards when you raise your arms. This can appear as a dimple in the skin.
Step 3 Check your nipples: Breast discharge, like a lump, can be a sign of breast cancer. While not all discharge is harmful, it is abnormal if the discharge is brown or red in colour. Therefore, it is important to check your nipples as well. Gently press on your nipples to see if any discharge appears and look for scaliness. This is an essential part of the breast self-examination in front of the mirror.
Step 4 Feel your breasts:
When standing, use both hands to examine your breasts. Just as in a mammogram where the breast tissue is evenly distributed, do this yourself by pressing your breast between your palms. Support your right breast with your left hand and distribute the tissue evenly with your right hand. Do this thoroughly and also feel towards your armpit. Repeat this for your left breast by using your right hand to support and your left hand to feel the tissue. This way, you can detect any irregularities. Your partner can help you with this, which is often easier.
Next, continue in a lying down position. Apply a little oil or cream to your breast, place the arm of the side you are examining behind your head, and use your other hand to feel the breast tissue. When doing this, press the breast tissue between your flat hand and your ribcage.”
Step 5 Don't ignore changesIf you notice anything abnormal – such as skin dimpling, discolouration, nipple discharge, or lumps – please contact your doctor. Do you notice a change? It could possibly be related to your cycle, so repeat the self-examination during the following cycle. If the change persists, do not ignore it and consult a doctor.
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Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Getting to Know Your Breasts
- Regular checkBy regularly looking and feeling, you can notice changes more quickly.
- What is normal for you?Glandular tissue can feel lumpy. Therefore, learn what is normal for your breasts.
Symptoms of Breast Cancer: Changes during Menstruation, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- PeriodYour breasts may feel temporarily different.
- Pregnancy and breastfeedingThese phases also bring about changes, but remain alert to deviations.
Breast Cancer Symptoms: Conclusion
By regularly checking your breasts, you become familiar with their normal condition. This helps you to detect any changes early, which contributes to timely diagnosis and treatment of potential problems. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact the team at Mediport Medical Centre to contact us with questions or for an appointment. Our radiologists Dr Catherine Breucq, Dr Birgit Heremans and Dr Thomas Backaert specialise in breast diagnostics.