October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a timely reminder to understand the signs of breast cancer, know what is normal for your body and seek medical advice if you notice any unusual changes.
Breast cancer awareness is about more than wearing pink or supporting a fundraising campaign. It is also an opportunity to have important conversations about breast health and encourage people to take changes seriously.
Breast cancer can affect people of different ages and backgrounds. Although many breast changes are caused by conditions that are not cancerous, recognising potential symptoms and getting them checked promptly is an important step towards early diagnosis.
At Glasgow Medical Rooms, we believe that access to clear health information can help people feel more confident about taking care of their health.
Why is Breast Cancer Awareness Month important?
Breast Cancer Awareness Month takes place every October and aims to raise awareness, encourage early detection and improve understanding of breast cancer.
One of the most important messages is that a breast lump is not the only possible sign of breast cancer. Changes to the skin, nipple or shape of the breast can also require medical attention.
Knowing what is normal for your body can make it easier to notice changes that are new or unusual. Regularly checking your breasts or chest and seeking advice when something changes can help ensure that potential symptoms are assessed without unnecessary delay.
7 breast cancer symptoms you should never ignore
Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person. Possible warning signs include the following.
- A new lump or swelling
A new lump or area of thickening in the breast, upper chest or armpit is one of the symptoms that should be checked by a healthcare professional.
Some lumps may feel hard, while others may feel softer or different from the surrounding tissue. A lump may or may not be painful.
Although many breast lumps are not cancerous, you should not try to diagnose a lump yourself or assume that it is harmless. Arrange a medical assessment for any new or unusual lump or swelling.
- Changes in breast size or shape
It is normal for breasts to differ slightly in size or shape. However, a noticeable change that is new for you should be assessed.
Look out for changes such as one breast becoming larger, a change in its contour or a new difference in shape that was not previously present.
Pay attention to changes that persist or develop without an obvious explanation.
- Skin changes, dimpling or puckering
Changes to the skin of the breast can sometimes be a sign of an underlying problem.
Look for skin that appears dimpled, puckered, thickened or similar in texture to orange peel. You should also be aware of new redness, darkening or inflammation.
Skin changes may be less obvious on some skin tones, so it is important to notice changes in texture and appearance as well as colour.
- Changes to the nipple
A nipple that becomes newly inverted or turns inwards, particularly if this has not happened before, should be checked.
Other changes to look out for include a new rash, persistent crusting, unusual scaling or a sore around the nipple that does not heal.
Although nipple changes can have several causes, new or persistent changes should not be ignored.
- Unusual nipple discharge
Nipple discharge can occur for a variety of reasons, and not all discharge is associated with breast cancer.
However, unexpected discharge, particularly if it is bloody or comes from one nipple without squeezing, should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
If you notice a new or unexplained discharge, arrange a medical appointment rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
- Persistent breast or armpit pain
Breast pain is common and is not usually a sign of breast cancer when it occurs on its own.
Nevertheless, persistent or unexplained pain in the breast or armpit deserves attention, particularly if it is accompanied by a lump, skin changes or a change in the nipple.
If pain continues, becomes more noticeable or is unusual for you, seek medical advice.
- Changes around the upper chest or armpit
When checking your breasts, remember to include the surrounding area.
A new lump or swelling in the armpit or upper chest, including towards the collarbone, should be checked. Changes may sometimes occur outside the main breast tissue.
Being familiar with the whole area can help you notice differences that might otherwise be missed.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Many breast changes have benign causes, but new or unusual symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How to check your breasts or chest
Checking your breasts does not need to be complicated, and there is no single technique that everyone must follow.
The aim is to become familiar with what looks and feels normal for you, so that you can recognise changes.
Here are three simple steps to remember:
Touch: Gently feel your breasts or chest, including the area extending towards your armpits and collarbone. Notice any new lumps, thickening or other unusual changes.
Look: Check for changes in size, shape, skin texture, colour or the appearance of your nipples. You may find it helpful to look in a mirror.
Check: If you notice a new or unusual change, contact your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional for advice.
Try to make checking part of your regular routine. Your breasts can change naturally with hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause, so it is important to recognise what is normal for you.
Can breast cancer affect younger people?
Yes. Although the likelihood of breast cancer generally increases with age, it can also affect younger adults.
Do not dismiss a new lump or other unusual breast change simply because you are young. Symptoms should be assessed based on the change itself, rather than your age alone.
It is also important to remember that breast cancer can affect men, although it is less common. Men should seek medical advice if they notice a new lump in the chest, nipple changes or other unexplained changes in the breast area.
Does a family history of breast cancer matter?
A family history of breast cancer can affect your individual risk, particularly if close relatives have been diagnosed at a younger age or several family members have been affected.
However, not everyone diagnosed with breast cancer has a family history of the disease.
If you are concerned about your family history, discuss it with a healthcare professional. They can help assess your circumstances and advise whether further assessment or a referral for genetic risk evaluation may be appropriate.
What should you do if you notice a symptom?
If you discover a new lump, nipple change, skin change or another unusual symptom, contact your GP promptly to arrange an assessment.
During an appointment, your clinician will ask about the changes you have noticed, when they started and whether you have experienced any other symptoms. They may examine the affected area and arrange further investigation or refer you to a specialist breast clinic if needed.
Further investigations may include a breast examination, mammogram, ultrasound scan or biopsy, depending on your symptoms and clinical assessment.
Being referred to a breast clinic does not mean you have cancer. It means that further assessment may be needed to establish the cause of your symptoms.
Do not wait for a routine breast screening appointment if you have symptoms. Screening is intended for people without symptoms; new or unusual changes need to be assessed even if you have recently had a normal screening result.
If you develop rapidly worsening breast redness or swelling, severe pain or fever, seek urgent medical advice, as these can also be signs of an infection or another condition requiring prompt treatment.
Breast screening: Why it matters
Breast screening uses mammography to look for signs of breast cancer before symptoms develop.
In Scotland, eligible women are routinely invited for NHS breast screening, generally every three years between the ages of 50 and 70. The precise arrangements for invitations and eligibility may vary, so check the current NHS Scotland guidance if you are unsure.
Screening can help identify some cancers at an earlier stage, but it cannot detect every case of breast cancer. This is why being aware of your own body and reporting new symptoms remains important, even if you attend screening regularly.
If you have concerns about your personal risk or family history, speak to a healthcare professional about the most appropriate next steps.
Take a moment for your breast health this October
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity to make breast health a priority, share reliable information and encourage open conversations.
Remember the key messages:
- Know what is normal for your breasts or chest.
- Look out for new lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and unexplained discharge.
- Do not ignore persistent or unusual symptoms.
- Contact a healthcare professional promptly if something changes.
- Attend recommended breast screening appointments, but never rely on screening alone if you have symptoms.
You do not need to panic if you notice a change, but you should not ignore it either. Getting the right medical advice is the best way to understand what is happening and determine whether further investigation is needed.
Your health matters
If you have noticed an unusual change in your health or would like to discuss a concern with a doctor, Glasgow Medical Rooms offers private GP consultations in Glasgow.
Our team can discuss your concerns, assess your symptoms and advise on appropriate next steps, including referral where clinically indicated.
Contact Glasgow Medical Rooms to find out more about our private GP consultations.
Please note: This article is intended for general health information and is not a substitute for an individual medical assessment. If you notice a new or unusual breast or chest change, seek advice from a healthcare professional.
