Breast changes to look out for:
- A lump, lumpiness or thickening: For younger women - if this is not related to your normal monthly cycle and remains after your period. For women of all ages - if this is a new change in one breast only.
- Changes to the nipple: such as a change in shape, crusting, a sore or an ulcer, redness or in-drawing of the nipple.
- Discharge from the nipple: if this is from one nipple and is bloodstained, or occurs without squeezing.
- Changes in the skin of the breast: such as any puckering or dimpling of the skin, unusual redness or other colour change.
- Persistent unusual pain: if this is not related to your normal monthly cycle, remains after your period and occurs in one breast only.
- Change in the size or shape of the breast: this might be either an increase or a decrease in size.
It is important that all breast changes are carefully investigated. If it is cancer, finding it early will mean a much better chance of effective treatment. See your GP straight away if you find a breast change.
