Signs and symptoms of breast cancer
Changes in the breast can be unsettling. This page helps you recognise the main signs of breast cancer, learn how to examine your breasts yourself, and decide when to seek medical advice.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
- A lump, hardening or swelling in the breast, chest or armpit
- Skin changes such as puckering, dimpling, wrinkling or thickening
- Redness or discolouration of the skin
- Changes in the nipples such as swelling, inversion, rash or crusting
- Sudden discharge from the nipple
- Change in the shape or size of a breast
- Unexplained weight loss
Pain without other symptoms is rarely a sign of breast cancer – nevertheless, it should be checked by a doctor, especially if it recurs or worsens.
How can you recognise a breast cancer lump?
Not every lump means cancer – but every lump should be examined by a doctor. Typical characteristics of breast cancer lumps are:
- Particularly firm and hard
- Usually painless
- Irregular outline
- Often on one side of the breast or armpit
Breast cancer lumps may feel like a hard deposit under the skin or as if the breast tissue is “jammed”. Not every case of breast cancer presents with a palpable lump. Screening often discovers breast cancer without any palpable signs.
When should you seek medical advice?
If you notice any hardening of the breast – regardless of whether you have recently had a mammogram – you should have this checked by a doctor. Even if it is not cancer, early examination can give you clarity and peace of mind.
The right time for self-examination
Regular self-examination helps you become familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel. For women with menstrual cycles, the breasts may swell or feel harder, tighter or more sensitive before and during menstruation. Try to always examine your breasts at the same point in your cycle – ideally a few days after your period.
What happens at the doctor's appointment?
If you notice any new changes, contact your doctor. Depending on their assessment, further tests may be necessary – such as imaging or a biopsy. Your doctor will discuss the next steps with you. Not all changes are malignant – many have benign causes such as cysts, hormonal changes or inflammation.
If breast cancer is diagnosed, there are treatment options available for all stages. Learn more about what breast cancer is.
FAQ about breast cancer symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?
Breast cancer is often not noticeable in its early stages. A lump smaller than one centimetre often goes unnoticed. This is why early detection through mammograms is important: These detect changes before they can be felt or seen. Treatment is often easier when breast cancer is detected early.
In many cantons in Switzerland, women aged 50 and over are invited to have a mammogram every two years as part of a regional screening programme. However, Zurich does not currently have such a programme.
If you live in Zurich, you can still have a mammogram for early detection. You can either contact us directly to arrange it or ask your doctor for a referral.
What do breast pains mean?
Breast pain alone is rarely an indication of breast cancer. Nevertheless, you should still have this checked by a doctor – especially if they recur or intensify.
Visible signs of breast cancer
Breast cancer is not always visible. If the cancer is visible externally, it may present in different ways.
- Change in the size or shape of the breast
- Crusted, inverted or swollen nipple
- Skin changes such as redness, dimpling (orange peel skin) or hardening
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
Always consult a doctor if you notice any changes in your breasts, nipples or chest area.
