At early stage of the disease, the majority of women with breast cancer have no signs or symptoms that impact their health. Some women may fell “healthy” for months or even years while the tumor is already in their breast. In advanced stages, however, symptoms emerge. Symptoms of breast cancer are highly variable and depend mainly on the location and extent of the tumor. In general, breast cancer symptoms may include:
- weight loss
- loss of appetite
- redness or retraction of the skin of the breast
- yellowing of the “white of the eye (icterus)
- change in the size or shape of the breast
- Inflammation and increased warmth in the breast
- Back pain, which may indicate bone metastasis
- Peeling or flaking of the nipple skin – sometimes accompanied by bloody discharge
- Irritating cough accompanied by shortness of breath – which may indicate lung metastases
Note: If you experience these symptoms, it does not mean you have breast cancer; do not assume. These symptoms can be caused by medical conditions other than cancer. Only your doctor can confirm your breast cancer diagnosis.