Overview: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Recognizing the signs of breast cancer and knowing your risk factors is essential for your long-term breast health.
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. It is typically diagnosed in middle-aged and older women, however understanding the signs and symptoms of breast cancer is important for everyone. Like most cancers, the earlier breast cancer is caught and treated, the better the outcome.
Understanding breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when cells start growing out of control. Breast cancer most often starts in:
- Milk ducts, which carry milk to the nipple (ductal breast cancer)
- Lobules, the glands that produce milk (lobular breast cancer)
From there, cancer cells may spread into surrounding breast tissue and, in some cases, to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. Although breast cancer is most common in women, men can develop it too.
Some breast cancers are found through routine screening tests like mammograms, while others are discovered through noticeable changes in the breast. Since many breast cancers don’t cause pain or obvious signs at first, understanding what’s normal for your body and recognizing subtle changes can make a critical difference.
Signs of breast cancer
The most common sign of breast cancer is a new lump or mass in the breast. Many breast cancers are hard, painless, irregular masses; however, some can be soft and painful. This is why it’s important to have any new lump checked out by your health care provider.
Learn how to check yourself for breast lumps
Other signs of breast cancer can include:
- Swelling of all or part of a breast
- Skin dimpling
- Breast or nipple pain
- Nipple retraction
- Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking or thickened
- Nipple discharge
- Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone
Am I at risk for breast cancer?
Breast cancer risk varies from person to person and is influenced by a combination of factors, including lifestyle choices, medical history and genetics. These risk factors often fall into two categories: factors you can change and factors you can’t change. They include the following:
Risk factors you can change:
- Not being physically active
- Being overweight or obese, especially after menopause
- Taking hormones
- Reproductive history (such as having your first child after the age of 30 and not breast feeding)
Risk factors you can't change:
- Getting older
- Genetic mutation in the BRCA gene
- Having dense breasts
- Family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer
- Reproductive history (starting menstrual periods before age 12 and starting menopause after age 55)
- Previous radiation therapy treatment
Having one or more risk factors does not mean you will develop breast cancer. Many people who are diagnosed have no known risk factors at all. If you have concerns about your personal risk, especially a strong family history or a known genetic mutation, talk with your health care provider about screening and risk‑reduction options.
Recognize the signs and get screened
Knowing what’s normal for your body and recognizing changes early are key steps in protecting your health. Regular screenings, healthy lifestyle choices and open conversations with your health care provider can help detect breast cancer sooner, when treatment is often most effective. If you have concerns about your breast health or risk factors, don’t wait!
Learn more about MercyOne Cancer Care
This blog was medically reviewed by a MercyOne provider
