YourTown Health’s Women’s Care providers are quick to tell you that catching breast cancer early can be key to overcoming the disease. According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when identified in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%.

Although many women keep an eye out for lumps as the main indicator of breast cancer, experts say it’s important to know your normal. Be aware of any changes in the look and feel of your breasts, even without a noticeable mass.

In addition to a potentially problematic lump, the following are five additional signs that could point to breast cancer:

1. Skin Dimpling, Thickening, or Change in Texture

The dimpling or thickening of breast skin with pitted pores that resemble the texture of an orange peel could be caused by lymphatic blockage due to inflammatory breast cancer (IBC). While rare, IBC is aggressive and taking quick action is essential.

2. Flattened or Inverted Nipple

Although an inverted or flattened nipple can be harmless, the sudden onset of either could be problematic. A cancerous tumor that invades the milk duct can cause one of those symptoms.

3. Nipple Discharge

Milky secretions from the nipple can be normal. However, a spontaneous and unexplained discharge that presents as clear or bloody may be troublesome.

4. Swelling, Warmth, Redness, Tenderness, Hardness, or Flaking

Pay attention to any swelling of the breast. Additionally, be cognizant of skin on the breast or areola that becomes warm, tender, hard, red, or flaky.

5. Swollen Lymph Nodes

According to the American Cancer Society, swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone can be indicative of breast cancer spreading even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt.

Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. While the above-mentioned symptoms can be benign, it’s better to be safe than sorry and reach out to a healthcare professional when you notice a change.

The Importance of Screening

Being aware of changes doesn’t replace routine screening mammograms, which can spot issues before symptoms appear.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women between the ages of 40 and 74 who are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years.

Current American Cancer Society guidelines suggest women between the ages of 40 and 44, who are at average risk for breast cancer, should consider starting annual screening with a mammogram. Women 45 to 54 should get mammograms every year. Those who are 55 and older have the option to switch to a mammogram every other year. As long as a woman is in good health and has a life expectancy of at least 10 more years, screening should continue.

The American Cancer Society guidelines for women at high risk for breast cancer based on specific factors call for a breast MRI and a mammogram annually, usually beginning at age 30.

Share Breast Cancer Concerns with YourTown Health

You can schedule a breast cancer screening with YourTown Health, and a member of its Women’s Care team can address any breast-related changes you are noticing.

Make an appointment by finding a location near you or messaging us online.

Q&A Recap

What is the survival rate for breast cancer?

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, when breast cancer is identified in its earliest, localized stages, the five-year survival rate is more than 99%.

Are lumps the only sign of breast cancer?

No. Keep an eye out for any changes in the look and feel of your breasts, even without a noticeable mass.

In addition to a detectable mass, what are other signs of breast cancer?

• Skin dimpling, thickening, or change in texture (like an orange peel)
• Flattened or inverted nipple
• Spontaneous and unexplained nipple discharge
• Swelling, warmth, redness, tenderness, hardness, or flaking of the breast or areola
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone

When should women at average risk for breast cancer begin mammogram screening?

American Cancer Society guidelines suggest women between the ages of 40 and 44 should consider starting annual screening with a mammogram. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends women at average risk begin breast cancer screening mammograms at age 40 and continue every two years until age 74.