Breast Cancer Awareness: 7 Crucial Changes in Breasts to Watch For

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women globally, with 2.4 million women diagnosed and 694,000 deaths recorded in 2024. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the disease can occur in every country and can affect women at any age after puberty, although the risk increases with age. Early detection and timely treatment are crucial because breast cancer is more likely to respond to treatment when identified early.

Knowing what is normal for your breasts and paying attention to unusual changes matters. A new lump or area of thickening in the breast can be a possible sign of breast cancer. However, not every breast lump is cancerous, and some lumps are caused by non-cancerous conditions. The important point is to have a new or unusual lump assessed by a healthcare professional rather than trying to determine its cause yourself.

Changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts can sometimes be a warning sign. Knowing how your breasts normally look can make it easier to notice a new or unusual change. WHO recommends being aware of changes in the breasts and seeking medical advice when something seems unusual. This is why breast awareness is essential for early detection and timely treatment.

Pay attention to changes such as dimpling, puckering, redness, or other unusual changes in the skin of the breast. These changes do not automatically mean someone has cancer, but they should not be ignored, particularly if they are new or persistent. Changes involving the nipple can also be a possible warning sign, including a change in the appearance of the nipple or the nipple turning inward.

Unexpected fluid coming from the nipple, particularly bloody discharge, should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Nipple discharge can have causes other than cancer, but it is among the breast changes WHO advises people to pay attention to. A lump or firm thickening may also be noticed in the area around the armpit, and WHO's guidance on breast self-examination recommends checking the breast and underarm area for lumps, hard knots, or firm thickening.

Not every sign of breast cancer will look the same, which is why breast awareness is crucial. WHO recommends that women of all ages be aware of changes in their breasts and seek medical advice when something seems unusual. Most women with breast cancer do not have a known family history, and having a close relative with breast cancer can increase a person's risk, but a woman does not need to have a family history to develop the disease.

If you notice a change, do not wait for pain before seeking help. A new lump, unusual thickening, nipple change, skin change, or abnormal discharge does not necessarily mean breast cancer, but it should be assessed by a qualified health professional. Breast self-awareness can help you notice changes, and WHO's 2026 guidance describes breast self-examination as a way of becoming familiar with the normal look and feel of your breasts so that unusual changes can be identified and evaluated.

Key points

• Early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer can significantly improve outcomes.
• Knowing what is normal for your breasts and paying attention to unusual changes can help with early detection.
• Breast self-awareness and self-examination can help identify changes, but should not replace professional assessment or recommended screening.