Signs & symptoms

Be thorough when checking your breasts. Check for anything that looks or feels unusual – and not just lumps. And remember to check the whole breast area, including your upper chest and armpits.

Changes to check for:

• Can you feel a lump? Either in the breast, upper chest or armpits.
• Is there a lumpy area? Or unusual thickening of the breast tissue that doesn’t go away?
• Is there any unusual pain? Either in part of the breast or the armpit.

• Any change in size or shape? For example, one breast might become larger or lower than the other.
• Any change in skin texture? Such as puckering or dimpling of the skin of the breast.
• What about the appearance or direction of the nipple? For example, one might become inverted (turned in) when it normally points out.
• Any unusual discharge? One or both nipples might have a discharge.
• Any rash or crusting? Of the nipple or surrounding area.

• Is anything unusual? If so, get it checked out by your doctor as soon as possible.

You may normally feel breast tissue changes or pain before or during your periods. This is why it’s important to check your breasts regularly so you get to know how they look and feel at different times of the month, and can notice any changes that are unusual for you.

If you have signs or symptoms your doctor suspects may be breast cancer, you will be referred you to a designated breast cancer clinic in a local hospital within two weeks for an assessment.