10 Breast Cancer Signs Women Over 50 Shouldn’t Ignore

Breast cancer becomes more common with age, but a new breast change does not automatically mean cancer. Many breast lumps and other changes have benign causes. Still, knowing what is unusual for you—and getting persistent or unexplained changes checked—is important. (American Cancer Society)

Here are 10 changes worth discussing with a healthcare professional.

1. A new lump in the breast

A new lump or mass is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Many breast lumps are not cancerous, but a new or unusual lump should be evaluated. (American Cancer Society)

2. A lump or swelling in the armpit

Swollen lymph nodes under the arm can sometimes be associated with breast cancer. However, infections and other conditions can cause swollen lymph nodes too. (American Cancer Society)

3. Unexplained breast swelling

Cancer can sometimes cause swelling involving part or all of a breast, even when you cannot feel a distinct lump. (American Cancer Society)

4. A change in breast size or shape

Noticeable, unexplained changes in the size or shape of one breast should be brought to a clinician’s attention. (CDC)

5. Skin dimpling or puckering

Skin that develops new indentations or a texture sometimes described as resembling an orange peel can be a warning sign. (American Cancer Society)

6. Red, flaky, thickened, or irritated skin

Changes affecting the breast or nipple skin—including persistent redness, flaking, dryness, or thickening—deserve evaluation. (American Cancer Society)

7. A nipple that turns inward

A newly inverted or retracted nipple can be associated with breast cancer and should be checked, particularly if the change is new. (American Cancer Society)

8. Unexpected nipple discharge

Discharge that isn’t breast milk—especially spontaneous discharge or discharge containing blood—should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. (CDC)

9. Persistent breast or nipple pain

Breast pain is usually caused by something other than cancer, and most breast cancers don’t cause pain. Nevertheless, persistent, unexplained pain or a new localized change should be discussed with a clinician. (American Cancer Society)

10. A breast that becomes unusually red or warm

Redness or warmth can occur with infections and other benign conditions, but it can also occur with certain breast cancers. A new or persistent change should not be ignored. (CDC)

Don’t wait for a lump

One important misconception is that breast cancer always produces a lump. Some breast cancers cause no noticeable symptoms at all, which is why recommended screening remains important. Mammography can detect some cancers before they become large enough to feel or cause symptoms. (American Cancer Society)

And although age matters, screening recommendations can depend on your age, personal and family history, genetic risk, and other factors. Your healthcare professional can help determine the appropriate schedule.

A new change doesn’t mean cancer

This is worth emphasizing.

Breast pain, cysts, swollen lymph nodes, nipple discharge, and other breast changes are frequently caused by conditions that aren’t cancer. The appearance or feel of a change alone cannot establish a diagnosis. Additional examination and, when necessary, imaging or biopsy may be needed. (American Cancer Society)

The most important message

Don’t panic over a new breast change—but don’t ignore it either.

If you notice a new lump, persistent skin or nipple change, unexplained swelling, unusual discharge, or another change that isn’t normal for you, arrange an evaluation rather than waiting for it to disappear.

Early detection can make a difference, and knowing your normal is one of the best ways to recognize when something has changed. (American Cancer Society)