Different people have different warning signs for breast cancer. Some people do not have any signs or symptoms at all and may only find out they have breast cancer after a routine mammogram.  The most common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. The major warning signs of breast cancer are:

1. A change in how the breast or nipple looks

• A change in the size or shape of the breast
• A nipple turned inward into the breast
• The skin of the breast, areola, or nipple may be scaly, red, or swollen; irritation or dimpling of breast skin ; ridges or pitting on the skin so that it looks like the skin of an orange.

2. A change in how the breast or nipple feels

• A lump or thickening in or near the breast
• A lump in the underarm area
• Nipple tenderness or pain in the nipple area
• Pain in any area of the breast

3. Nipple discharge or fluid

• Any discharge other than milk
• Blood from the nipple

Keep in mind that some of these warning signs can occur during conditions that are not cancer.  Nonetheless, it is very important that you see your doctor about breast pain or any other symptom that does not go away.  It is important that you are diagnosed and treated for possible breast cancer as early as possible.  Read on to learn more about possible causes of breast cancer as well as breast cancer stages and how to diagnose breast cancer now.