Cancer of the breast is a leading cause of deaths among women worldwide. Although the early stages of this form of cancer do not cause any symptoms, certain changes may indicate it. Identifying the early warning signs of breast cancer can help women facilitate an early diagnosis and prevent it from spreading. Listed here are a few early signs of this disease that everyone should know about:

1. Lump in the breast or underarm
A lump or a mass in the breast is a possible sign of breast cancer, and a doctor will recommend a mammogram to detect the lump. That said, all lumps are not cancerous, and a biopsy can be performed to determine whether the lump is cancerous or benign. Cancerous lumps usually have uneven edges, and they are hard and painless.

2. Changes in the breast shape or size
Any change in the size and shape of one or both breasts or an area that looks and feels different from the skin in other areas around the breast is an indicator of breast cancer. Structural changes in the breast, like an increase or decrease in size on one side and deformations in shape like flattening or indentation, are among the other early warning signs of breast cancer.

3. Pain or tenderness in the breast that does not go away
Painful breasts are a normal occurrence during pregnancy or PMS, but it can also be an indicator of breast cancer. Any pain or tenderness that is not linked to PMS or caused due to breastfeeding or nursing an infant is a cause for concern and requires medical attention at the earliest.

4. Swelling, redness, or darkening of the breast
Breast swelling or redness is another early sign of breast cancer. The swelling can occur on all or part of the breast, and the affected breast could also feel hot and sore to touch. Any breast swelling that lasts for over a week should be checked by the doctor.

5. Changes in the nipple
Any change in the nipple, including changes in the color and texture, should be discussed with a doctor. These changes also include swelling, redness, itchiness, the appearance of scaly rashes, or an inverted nipple.

6. Unusual nipple discharge
Discharge from the nipple is also one of the early warning signs of breast cancer that one should keep an eye out for. This discharge occurs without squeezing the nipple and occurs from one or both breasts. One should visit a doctor if they see any clear or bloody discharge from the nipple. This holds for any nipple discharge other than breast milk.

7. Swelling in the armpit
A sudden hardening of the lymph nodes in the armpit area is a sign of breast cancer, as this form of cancer spreads to the lymph nodes first. If the armpits are swollen or painful, it’s best to get examined by a medical expert to rule out any serious causes.

8. Changes in the breast skin
Any change in the texture of the skin on the breast is also one of the early warning signs of breast cancer. Dimples on the breast skin or thickening and hardening of the skin should be reported to a doctor.

One should be proactive and consult a doctor if they notice any of these unusual changes in the breast area.