If detected early, breast cancer patients stand a good chance of survival, so it’s important to be aware of common signs and symptoms. Here are some early signs of breast cancer which you can look out for.

Unusual lumps are the most well-known signs of breast cancer, and it’s true that lumps can be an early sign, especially if they are new and feel thicker, harder or otherwise different to the rest of the breast tissue. Of course, not all lumps are necessarily harmful. Lumps can also be harmless cysts or even benign tumours.  It’s also important to remember that there are other signs of breast cancer to look out for. These could include:

•  change in size or shape of the breast
•  Breast or armpit pain that doesn’t go away after your next period and which is there all the time, rather than coming and going.
• nipple discharge without squeezing. This discharge could be clear, red, brown, or yellow
• unexplained redness, rashes, swelling or itchiness around the breast
• unexplained swelling or a lump around the collarbone or under the arm
• a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling around the breast. Often referred to as ‘orange peel skin’ because of the textured appearance, this can sometimes be indicative of later stage breast cancer

Start your online quote

I am a

Man Woman

and was born on

dd 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

/

mm 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12

/

yyyy 1954 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001

.

I am a

Smoker Non-Smoker

earning

Please Select R0 to R7,599 R7,600 to R11,399 R11,400 to R15,199 R15,200 to R30,399 R30,400 to R37,999 R38,000 to R60,799 R60,800 or above

per month

Live quotes happening now.

Live quotes happening now.

There are also other symptoms which can sometimes seem unrelated to breast cancer, such as weight loss, irregular urination, back pain or fatigue. Again, having these symptoms doesn’t mean that you have breast cancer but if you notice any changes in your breasts at all, especially when paired with other symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible. They may be harmless changes or symptoms of something other than cancer, but when it comes to signs of breast cancer, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Disclaimer: None of the advice above is intended to replace medical advice, and a doctor should always be consulted if you are concerned about breast cancer.