Signs & symptoms

What to look out for

The better you know what your breasts look and feel like, the easier it will be to notice unusual changes and have them checked out by your doctor. Here are some breast changes to look out for:

Lump. A lump or hard knot in the breast or armpit

Lumpy area. Bumpiness or unusual thickening that doesn’t go away after your period

Pain. Pain in one spot that’s not associated with your period

Swelling. Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening

Size and shape. One breast might become larger or lower than the other

Skin texture. Puckering or dimpling of the skin

Appearance or direction of nipple. One nipple might become inverted (turned in)

Discharge. Nipple excretes a blood-stained liquid (in one or both breasts)

Rash or crusting. An itchy sore or scaling area on or around the nipple

Quick fact

Cysts in the breast tissue, which are almost always harmless, occur most often in women in their 30s and older. But remember, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Quick fact

In 2010, an estimated 4,408 Canadian women under the age of 50 will be diagnosed with breast cancer.