After skin cancer, breast cancer continues to be the second most common cancer among women. Breast cancer invariably begins in the cells that line the milk glands, also called lobules, when the cells grow uncontrollably. Cancer cells can also spread from there to other parts of the body and can lead to death. Since the cancer is not dangerous in the initial stages, early detection becomes critical for treatment and preventing the cancer from metastasizing.

Doctors recommend regular and periodic annual medical checkups for women once they turn 40. Screening tests like mammogram – an X-ray of the breast – can detect early signs of breast cancer. Many times, women may have lived with breast cancer for several years before symptoms showed up. Hence, women with a family history of breast cancer should also take this test as per doctor’s recommendation. Before going to a clinic, women can also watch out for the following early signs of breast cancer at home:

1. Thickening of the breast
Breasts may become thick due to hormonal changes. If you notice any thickening of the breast, do not ignore it or wait; contact a doctor immediately. The thickness can also be fibrosis and not cancer, but getting a consultation is essential to know its cause.

2. Nipple discharge
Nipple discharge is one of the earliest symptoms of breast cancer types like Paget’s Disease. Ulcers could form in the nipples, and you may see clear, bloody, stained, or whitish discharge from the nipple. If the discharge is just from one nipple, it can indicate breast cancer, and you need to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

3. Change in nipple appearance
If the nipple becomes scaly, crusted, and thick or turns red, it can be an indication of breast cancer. Additionally, when the nipple turns inward or retracts, it can be a sign of breast cancer.

4. Pain or tenderness
In most cases, there is no pain experienced during breast cancer. Some may feel that the breast feels tender to touch and could also feel a burning sensation.

5. Lumps in the breast
Feel your breasts and your armpits carefully with light pressure and check for lumps. If you feel a lump that is hard or squishy or soft, or it feels like knots, it may be a sign of cancer. Not all lumps are cancerous, but only the correct test can identify if it is cancerous or benign.

6. Change in shape
The shape of your breast may change during menstruation, breastfeeding, or as a part of natural aging. But if you feel that your breast shape is changing unusually, contact your doctor.

7. Change in size
Breast size changes are due to many reasons, such as high or low BMI levels, hormonal changes, and aging. If you feel that your breast is changing without any apparent cause, visit a doctor for an examination.

8. Development of dimples
Some breast cancer types, like invasive ductal carcinoma, inflammatory breast cancer, and lobular breast cancer, can cause dimples to form in the breast kin. Some other non-cancerous conditions can also cause dimpling. Dimpling is a vital early sign of breast cancer.

9. Pitting and redness
If the skin on the breast looks uneven, like an orange peel, it can be an early sign of breast cancer. The skin can also become reddish and swollen.