FACTS ABOUT BREAST CANCER  ♦  WHO'S AT RISK?  ♦  SYMPTOMS

[ SYMPTOMS ]

Breast cancer can cause changes that women should watch for:

	A change in how the breast or nipple feels
	A lump or thickening in or near the breast or in the underarm area
	Nipple tenderness
	A change in how the breast or nipple looks
	A change in the size or shape of the breast
	The nipple is turned inward into the breast
	The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen. It may have ridges or pitting so that it looks like the skin of an orange.
	Nipple discharge (fluid)

Although early breast cancer usually does not cause pain, a woman should see her health care provider about breast pain or any other symptom that does not go away. Most often, these symptoms are not cancer, but it is important to check with the health care provider so that any problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.


Source: National Cancer Institute, What You Need to Know About Breast Cancer, 2003.