According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer can cause a range of symptoms, although some people may have no noticeable signs in the early stages.
Common symptoms include a lump or thickening in the breast, often without pain, and changes in the breast’s size, shape or appearance.
Other warning signs include dimpling, redness or pitting of the breast skin, changes in the nipple or surrounding skin, and unusual nipple discharge, including blood.
Some people may also develop enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit. In advanced cases, breast cancer may spread to other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as bone pain or headaches.
WHO advises anyone with an abnormal breast lump to seek medical attention, even if it is painless. Although most breast lumps are not cancerous, early diagnosis and timely treatment improve outcomes.
Recognising unusual changes and seeking prompt medical assessment are important steps towards early detection.
