Detect breast cancer symptoms to stay ahead of breast cancer
When it comes to detecting breast cancer, it's important to remember that no two people are exactly the same. What's normal for one person may not be for another. Many women say their breasts feel lumpy or uneven and factors such as menstruation, childbirth, weight changes and certain medications can affect the appearance and feel of your breasts. Additionally, breasts tend to change with age. Knowing what is normal for you is key to detecting breast cancer symptoms early.
By performing monthly breast self-exams, you'll become more familiar with your breasts and can more easily spot any unusual changes. It's also important to remember that regular mammograms, as your healthcare provider recommends, are an essential part of breast health. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of breast cancer?
Symptoms of breast cancer can vary based on the type you have. Breast lumps are a common sign, but breast cancer can also cause:
- Skin changes
- Swelling
- Changes to your nipple
- A rash
However, it’s important to remember that breast cancer doesn’t always cause symptoms, particularly in the early stages of the condition.
Lumps
One of the most common signs of breast cancer is a lump or solid mass in the breast. These lumps are typically firm and may not always be painful, although some may feel tender. You may feel a lump in your breast or armpit or thickening in the area.
It's important to remember that not all breast lumps indicate cancer. Certain noncancerous breast conditions, such as cysts, can also cause lumps.
Nipple changes
Breast cancer can cause changes in the nipple or the skin around it. A nipple may feel tender or turn inward as a tumor forms underneath it. Breast cancer may cause a clear or bloody nipple discharge that occurs without you squeezing the nipple. The skin around your nipple may become red, dry, flaky or thicker than usual.
Changes in breast shape or size
A breast that changes size or shape should always be checked out by your doctor. A breast may develop swelling, or it may get smaller. In addition, a breast may suddenly flatten, droop, or become larger or smaller than the other breast.
It’s common for women to have slightly asymmetrical breasts, but if the change is new, you should talk to your doctor.
Pain
You may notice your breasts feeling tender or painful during your monthly menstrual cycles, which is common. In many cases, pain is not associated with breast cancer, but breast cancer can cause pain when a tumor pushes into nearby tissue. Talk to your provider if you have breast or nipple pain that does not go away, is very intense and develops in one spot.
Skin changes
Skin changes can occur with many breast conditions, including infections, inflammatory conditions and dermatitis. When skin changes occur with breast cancer, they may appear on the skin of the breast or the nipple. Symptoms include:
- Darkening
- Dryness
- Flakiness
- Itchiness
- Pores in the skin that become larger
- Redness or a rash
- Skin that puckers or dimples like an orange peel
- Thickening
What are the symptoms of breast cancer in men?
The signs of breast cancer in men are similar to those in women. These may include a painless lump or thickened area in the breast tissue, skin changes over the breast like dimpling, puckering, redness or scaling, changes in the nipple such as redness or scaling, a nipple that starts to turn inward, and nipple discharge.
What does a lump in your breast mean?
A breast lump can happen for many reasons, including harmless conditions or something more serious. Some common causes are fibroadenoma, a noncancerous lump that feels rubbery and can move, often found in young women; breast cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that might be painful or hard to notice and often change with a woman’s period; and breast abscesses, a collection of pus in the breast tissue. An abscess is a common complication of a mastitis, an infection in the breast tissue that typically occurs in breastfeeding women. Mastitis can make the breast red, warm and sore. Hormonal changes during a menstrual cycle can also cause lumps. Even though most breast lumps are harmless, it's important to see a doctor, especially after menopause.
When should you see a doctor for symptoms of breast cancer?
If you have a lump or are experiencing another symptom that doesn’t feel normal for you, call your doctor right away.
You may need tests, such as a diagnostic mammogram or breast ultrasound, to help determine what’s causing the symptoms. These and other tests for breast cancer can help identify breast cancer regardless of symptoms, which means you can start treatment as soon as possible.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, behind skin cancer. With regular screening, the condition can be identified early before symptoms appear. Most women should begin annual screening mammograms at age 40, but some women who have a higher risk may need them earlier or more frequently than once per year.
People at increased risk for breast cancer
Some women have a higher-than-average risk for breast cancer. For those women, relying on symptoms could mean that cancer goes undetected for too long. They may benefit from earlier or more frequent breast cancer screenings or from genetic testing that can tell them if they have inherited gene mutations that put them at risk.
Talk to your primary care physician or OBGYN about screening or genetic testing if you:
- Have a family history of breast cancer, especially in a first-degree relative, such as a mother or sister
- Have a personal history of breast cancer
- Received radiation to your chest early in life
Breast cancer screening locations near you
We help you get care at a location that fits your needs. Several of our locations in North and Central Texas offer mammograms to detect breast cancer before you have symptoms.
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital - Sherman
3601 N Calais St , Sherman, TX, 75090
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Greenville
4400 Interstate 30 W Ste 100, Greenville, TX, 75402
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Sherman
204 Medical Dr Ste 240, Sherman, TX, 75092
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Van Alstyne
250 N Collin McKinney Pkwy , Van Alstyne, TX, 75495
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care Associates - Royse City
6257 FM 2642 Blvd Ste 100, Royse City, TX, 75189
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - McKinney
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 100, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland (Satellite)
5220 W University Dr POB II, Ste 250, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Center for Hernia Surgery - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4600, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 4600, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Women's Imaging Center - McKinney
5236 W University Dr Ste 2500, McKinney, TX, 75071
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - McKinney
5252 W University Dr Highway 380 at Lake Forest Drive, McKinney, TX, 75071
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Terrell
200 N Virginia St , Terrell, TX, 75160
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Rockwall
825 W Yellowjacket Ln , Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medicine - Wylie
600 Cooper Dr Ste 100, Wylie, TX, 75098
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Rockwall
1975 Alpha Dr Ste 204, Rockwall, TX, 75087
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Lake Pointe
6800 Scenic Dr , Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Craig Ranch
6800 State Hwy 121 , McKinney, TX, 75070
- Monday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - Frisco
15950 Eldorado Pkwy Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Prosper
111 S Preston Rd Ste 10, Prosper, TX, 75078
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Lake Pointe
7600 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 150, Rowlett, TX, 75088
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Rowlett
7501 Lakeview Pkwy Ste 220, Rowlett, TX, 75088
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - Murphy
511 W FM 544 Ste 204, Murphy, TX, 75094
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Sachse
5250 State Hwy 78 Ste 850, Sachse, TX, 75048
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Frisco at PGA Parkway
16050 Everwell Ln Professional Pavilion I, Ste 400, Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco at PGA Parkway
7600 Better Way , Frisco, TX, 75033
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - North Frisco
525 University Dr , Frisco, TX, 75033
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Geriatrics - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 307, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - South Frisco
4461 Coit Rd Ste 301, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 100, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Frisco Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 405, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Residency - Centennial
4401 Coit Rd Ste 409, Frisco, TX, 75035
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Centennial
12505 Lebanon Rd , Frisco, TX, 75035
Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100A , Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
- Sunday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Medical Center - North Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Dallas Diagnostic Association - Garland
7217 Telecom Pkwy Ste 300, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:15 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - North Garland
7150 N President George Bush Hwy Ste 101, Garland, TX, 75044
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240A, Forney, TX, 75126
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240, Forney, TX, 75126
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Orthopedic Associates of Dallas - Forney
763 E US Hwy 80 Ste 240A, Forney, TX, 75126
Baylor Scott & White Douglass Community Clinic - Plano
801 E Plano Pkwy Ste 160, Plano, TX, 75074
- Monday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Richardson
1410 E Renner Rd Ste 201, Richardson, TX, 75082
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Hope Clinic of Garland
800 S 6th St Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75040
Baylor Scott & White Primary Care at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgical Institute at The Star
3800 Gaylord Pkwy Ste 910, Frisco, TX, 75034
- Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Garland
530 Clara Barton Blvd Ste 100, Garland, TX, 75042
- Monday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Frisco
5601 Warren Pkwy , Frisco, TX, 75034
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center - Sunnyvale
231 S Collins Rd , Sunnyvale, TX, 75182
Baylor Scott & White Surgicare - Plano
1701 Ohio Dr , Plano, TX, 75093
- Monday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
- Friday: 6:00 am - 4:00 pm
Baylor Scott & White Family Health Center - Mesquite
1575 Interstate 30 , Mesquite, TX, 75150
- Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm