Breast cancer often whispers before it shouts. Catching changes early saves lives. Here are 9 symptoms everyone with breast tissue should watch for (and report to a doctor ASAP):

🔍 1. A New Lump or Thickening

Where: Breast, armpit, or collarbone area.
Feel: Hard, painless, irregular edges. Note: Not all lumps are cancer (cysts are common!), but new lumps need checking.

🎯 2. Swelling or Distortion

Look for: One breast suddenly larger, dimpled skin (“orange peel texture”), or visible distortion of shape.

🔴 3. Skin Changes

• Redness/flaking (like eczema) on breast/nipple
• Puckering/dimpling (skin resembles an orange peel)
• Warmth/thickening of skin

⚠️ 4. Nipple Warning Signs

• Inversion: Nipple pulls inward suddenly (if not lifelong).
• Discharge: Bloody, clear/yellow fluid leaking spontaneously (one breast only).
• Rash/scabbing: Persistent crusting around the nipple.

⚡ 5. Unexplained Pain

Deep, persistent ache in one specific spot (breast/armpit) unrelated to your menstrual cycle.

📏 6. Armpit or Collarbone Swelling

Swollen lymph nodes here may signal spreading cancer.

🔄 7. Asymmetry Shift

New, noticeable difference in how your breasts look/feel compared to your personal baseline.