Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers). It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in Canadian women. According to cancer.ca, 28,600 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. This represents 25% of all new cancer cases in women in 2022.
Breast cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Signs and symptoms often appear when the tumour grows large enough to be felt as a lump in the breast or when the cancer spreads to surrounding tissues and organs. Other health conditions can cause the same symptoms as breast cancer.
The most common symptom is a firm or hard lump that feels very different from the rest of the breast. It may feel like it is attached to the skin or the surrounding breast tissue. The lump doesn’t get smaller or come and go with your period. It may be tender, but it’s usually not painful. (Pain is more often a symptom of a non-cancerous condition).
Other symptoms include:
• A lump in the armpit.
• Changes in the shape or size of the breast.
• Changes to the nipple, such as a nipple that suddenly starts to point inward (called an inverted nipple).
• Discharge that comes out of the nipple without squeezing it or that has blood in it.
A mammogram can help find and diagnose breast cancer. The decision to have a mammogram or use any other screening method may be a difficult decision for some women. While screening for breast cancer is often recommended, it is not mandatory. Speak with your health care provider for information regarding how to get screened, the facts and myths about screening tests, how to maintain your breast health, and to get help making an informed decision.
You can also perform a breast self-examination. This involves checking your breasts for lumps or changes. Ask your doctor for tips that can help you do it correctly.
Also keep in mind that the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care does not recommend self-examination for women ages 40-74 who do not have a higher risk of breast cancer as this may lead to unneeded tests such as biopsies. If you notice something unusual, talk with health care professional about it.
