Quick read
Key points
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Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, developing when cells in the breast grow abnormally. Symptoms can include a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes such as dimpling, or changes to the nipple, including discharge or inversion, though many early cancers cause no noticeable symptoms at all.
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Topic-specific prevention and risk reduction will be added during the article-specific evidence audit.
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You notice a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
01 · Know
What is Breast Cancer in Women?
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, developing when cells in the breast grow abnormally. Symptoms can include a new lump, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes such as dimpling, or changes to the nipple, including discharge or inversion, though many early cancers cause no noticeable symptoms at all.
Survival rates have improved significantly over recent decades, particularly when breast cancer is caught early, which is why national screening programmes like BreastCheck, alongside breast awareness, play such an important role.
02 · Understand
Clinical context
Breast awareness matters as much as screening
Knowing what's normal for your own breasts, and getting any new changes checked promptly, is valuable at any age, complementing the regular mammograms offered through screening programmes.
03 · Act
When to See a Doctor
- 1You notice a new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area
- 2You notice changes in breast size, shape, or skin texture
- 3You notice nipple changes, such as discharge, inversion, or a rash
- 4You're due for your BreastCheck mammogram and haven't yet attended
04 · Prevent & manage
Practical steps
Get to Know What's Normal for You
Regularly checking your breasts helps you notice changes early — there's no single "correct" way to do this, just becoming familiar enough with your normal breast tissue to notice if something changes.
- 1Attend BreastCheck screening when invited.This national programme offers regular mammograms to eligible age groups, catching cancers early, often before symptoms develop.
- 2Get familiar with your own breasts.Regular self-awareness helps you notice new lumps or changes between screening appointments.
- 3Report any new changes promptly.Don't wait for your next scheduled screening if you notice something different.
- 4Know your family history.A significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer may mean additional screening or genetic counselling is recommended.
Medical information notice
Health education, not individual medical advice
BarnMD Health Library provides general health education for public health literacy. Reading this article does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and this information is not a diagnosis, prescription, or personalised treatment plan. If you have symptoms or concerns about your health, seek appropriate advice from a qualified healthcare professional. If you develop emergency warning signs, seek urgent or emergency medical attention.
BarnMD Bottom Line
Breast cancer outcomes have improved significantly, especially when caught early through screening and prompt attention to new changes.
Attending BreastCheck when invited, alongside staying familiar with your own breasts, offers the best combined approach to early detection.