10 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer You Should Never Ignore

Check front, middle, and back

Note firm or enlarged nodes

Swelling without infection or injury should never be ignored.

4. Nipple Retraction or Inversion
A nipple that suddenly turns inward — when it previously pointed outward — is a major red flag.

This occurs when tumor tissue pulls on structures behind the nipple.

Urgency increases if:

The change is new

Only one nipple is affected

There’s discharge or skin change

Congenital inversion is usually harmless, but new inversion requires evaluation.

3. Red, Flaky, or Thickened Nipple or Areola Skin
Persistent redness, scaling, or thickened skin around the nipple may indicate Paget’s disease of the breast, a rare condition often linked to underlying cancer.

Symptoms may include itching, burning, or oozing and often resemble eczema — but don’t improve with standard treatments.

Early diagnosis leads to excellent outcomes.

2. Unusual Nipple Discharge
Any discharge not related to breastfeeding deserves attention, especially if it occurs spontaneously.

Levels of concern:

Bloody discharge: Highest urgency

Clear or colored discharge: Still needs evaluation

Discharge from one nipple only: More concerning

Bloody discharge, in particular, requires immediate medical assessment.

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Arm or Near the Collarbone
Enlarged, firm lymph nodes in these areas may indicate that cancer has begun to spread beyond the breast.

Survival by stage:

Localized (no nodes): ~99%

Regional (nodes involved): Lower

Distant spread: Significantly reduced

Any breast change combined with lymph node swelling is an urgent warning sign.

Your Actionable Breast Health Plan
Start protecting yourself today:

Perform monthly self-exams

Schedule annual clinical exams and mammograms

Track changes with photos or a journal

Discuss family history with your doctor

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