7 Breast Cancer Warning Signs You Must Look Out For!Plus 3 Simple Self-Check Methods
Breast cancer is a silent threat commonly found in women, but if detected early, the chances of successful treatment significantly increase. Knowing the warning signs and performing regular monthly breast self-exams is the best defense for you.
Breast Cancer Warning Signs: It’s Not Just a “Lump” to Watch Out For!
The signs of breast cancer don’t always involve feeling a lump. There are other abnormalities that you can observe visually and through touch. These signs might appear individually or in combination. If you notice any of these abnormalities, you should immediately see a doctor for a diagnosis.
- Lump/Thickening of the Breast Tissue
- Discovery of a new lump in the breast or underarm area (axilla)
- The tissue in that area feels distinctly thicker or harder than surrounding areas
- The lump found may or may not be painful
- Changes in Breast Size or Shape
- One breast has a noticeable change in size or shape
- There is swelling or an unusual protrusion
- Skin Changes on the Breast
- Presence of dimpling (like a small dent), wrinkling, or retraction (pulling in)
- Thickened skin, appearing like an orange peel (Peau d’orange), or a persistent, non-healing red rash
- Change in skin color, such as dark redness, or unusual warmth
- Nipple Abnormalities
- Nipple is retracted, inverted, or changes direction (new onset of inverted nipple)
- There is a persistent, non-healing sore on or around the nipple
- Nipple Discharge
- Watery or non-milky fluid leakage from the nipple
- Especially if the fluid is clear, yellow, or bloody
- Unusual Pain/Tenderness
- Persistent, unusual pain in the breast or nipple that is unrelated to the menstrual cycle
- Swelling of Lymph Nodes
- Feeling a hard or swollen lump in the lymph nodes under the armpit or above the collarbone
3 Easy Steps for Breast Self-Examination (BSE) to Perform Monthly
Breast Self-Examination (BSE) should be performed regularly, **once a month**. The optimal time is **7-10 days after the end of your menstrual period**, as the breasts are less swollen and softer, making palpation easier.
The examination steps are divided into 3 main parts:
1. Visual Inspection
Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room and observe the changes in both breasts in 3 different positions:
- Position 1: Arms at Your Sides
- Note the size, shape, skin color, and symmetry of the breasts (it’s normal for the two breasts to be slightly different in size)
- Check for any dimpling, wrinkling, or orange peel-like skin
- Observe if the nipple is inverted or has any sores
- Position 2: Arms Raised Overhead
- Observe the movement and changes of the breasts as the tissue is pulled up
- Position 3: Hands on Hips and Leaning Forward Slightly
- Tighten the chest muscles slightly while both hands are on the hips to observe any changes that might be hidden
2. Standing Palpation
This can be done while showering or applying lotion to make the examination smoother:
- Use Your Fingers: Use the pads of the three middle fingers (index, middle, and ring fingers) to feel, not to squeeze the breast tissue
- Pressure Levels: Palpate with 3 levels of pressure
- Light Pressure: To examine tissue near the skin surface
- Medium Pressure: To examine deeper tissue
- Firm Pressure: To examine tissue near the ribs/chest wall
- Palpation Method:
- Use the left hand to examine the right breast, and the right hand to examine the left breast
- Feel the entire breast area, from the top (collarbone) down to the bottom (base of the breast) and extending to the armpit area
- It is recommended to use the **circular/spiral** method (moving in a circular pattern from the outside towards the nipple) or the **vertical strip** method (moving up and down in rows) to cover all areas comprehensively
3. Lying Down Palpation
Lying flat helps the breast tissue spread out evenly, making it easier to feel for lumps:
- Positioning: Lie flat, place a small pillow under the shoulder of the breast being examined (e.g., if examining the right breast, place the pillow under the right shoulder), and raise that arm above the head
- Palpation: Use the opposite hand to examine the breast using the same method and 3 levels of pressure as in the standing palpation. Feel the entire breast and armpit area
- Nipple Check: Gently squeeze the nipple between the thumb and index finger to check for any abnormal fluid or blood discharge
Important: If you find any changes that are different from previous examinations or feel any abnormality, **do not delay. You should see a specialist doctor immediately** for further diagnostic tests such as a mammogram or ultrasound.
Breast Cancer Screening with Mammogram and Breast Ultrasound Package
References
- Nonthavej Hospital – What are the Early Signs of “Breast Cancer”?
- Samitivej Hospital – 6 Breast Cancer Warning Signs
- National Cancer Institute (Thailand) – Breast Self-Examination
- Rama Channel – Breast Self-Examination: Checking Risk Before Breast Cancer
- Cleveland Clinic – Breast Self-Exam: Purpose, Steps & How To
- Mayo Clinic – Breast self-exam for breast awareness
