Breast cancer is a rampant health problem across the country, with about 240,000 cases of this disease diagnosed in women and about 2,100 in men every year. Like many other kinds of cancer, breast cancer is easier to deal with for healthcare professionals and patients if it is detected and diagnosed in its initial stages. There are certain typical signs that emerge in this disease’s early stages and keep worsening from thereon. Symptoms of breast cancer Change in size or appearance of the breasts The tumor in breast cancer grows steadily from the initial stages. Therefore, someone with a developing case of this disease will feel a lump or a bulge growing in their breasts. This automatically magnifies the size of one’s breasts over time. This clearly indicates an abnormal and potentially dangerous tumor growing in the breast area. Apart from the size, even the overall appearance of one’s breasts undergoes a transformation when they initially develop this cancer. For example, it is common for someone with this condition to find changes in skin tone and puckering in and around the areola of their breasts. Swelling in armpits The swelling that a woman initially discovers in and around her breasts tends to spread to other nearby areas as well.

Breast cancers are generally associated with lumps. However, the symptoms may differ from one person to another according to their specific type of cancer. Although, there are many cases where the patients haven’t reported any lumps. So, this article will explore the various symptoms associated with breast cancer. And it’s always recommended that one visits a doctor immediately if they notice any of the following signs. This will ensure the early detection of cancer. Early symptoms/signs of breast cancer Usually, a monthly breast exam may reveal specific symptoms such as lumps. But there are other signs to look out for as well, which include: Swelling near underarms or the collarbone A swelling near the collarbone or underarms signifies the spreading of cancer to the lymph nodes in that area. Usually, the swelling may appear even before the lump. Hence, a person should not ignore any discomfort and seek medical advice. Pain and tenderness In most cases, lumps in the breast do not hurt. But they might be uncomfortable and might cause a prickly feeling. This hard mass may have irregular edges and is a sure sign of cancer. But sometimes, it can also be soft, tender, round, and even painful.