What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer?

The following are the most common symptoms ofbreast cancer. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Early breast cancer usually does not cause pain and may cause no symptoms at all. And, approximately 10 percent of breast cancer patients have no pain or lumps, or other indications of a problem with their breasts.

As the cancer grows, however, it can cause changes that women and men should watch for, such as:

• a lump or thickening (a mass, swelling, skin irritation, or distortion) in or near the breast or in the underarm area
• a change in the size or shape of the breast
• a change in the color or feel of the skin of the breast, areola, or nipple (dimpled, puckered, or scaly)
• nipple discharge, erosion, inversion, or tenderness

A woman (or man) should consult a physician when any of these changes are noticed.