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What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

Breast cancer symptoms include lumps, changes in breast shape or nipple, unusual pain, and skin changes, and should be discussed with a doctor if experienced.

The symptoms of breast cancer depend on where the tumour is in the breast, the size of the tumour and how quickly it is growing.

Breast changes that may indicate breast cancer include:

  • a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it's only in one breast
  • a change in the size or shape of the breast
  • a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
  • a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
  • a change in the skin of the breast such as redness or dimpling
  • an unusual pain that doesn't go away. 

There are a number of conditions that may cause these symptoms, not just breast cancer. If any of these symptoms are experienced, it is important that they are discussed with a doctor.

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