Think you know the signs of breast cancer? These 8 changes are easy to miss

Breast cancer doesn’t always cause a lump. An oncologist explains eight signs to look out for, from breast dimpling to nipple changes.

Woman in morning sun examines her chest with concern, illustrating breast self-exam, chest discomfort and breast cancer awareness, health screening and self-care at home

Getty/Ekaterina Demidova

Published: October 28, 2026 at 12:35 PM

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Breast cancer is often associated with finding a lump, but there are other changes to look out for that can be just as important. From dimpling in the skin to a persistent nipple rash, knowing what is normal for your breasts could help you spot a change that needs checking.

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The warning comes during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, following new research in England that found 29% of women who regularly check their breasts do not feel confident spotting a change.

The findings have prompted the Government to partner with Breast Cancer Now on a three-year initiative to help women recognise possible symptoms and seek medical advice sooner.

Dr Jiri Kubes, a radiation oncologist and medical director at Proton Therapy Center in Prague, says women should pay attention to changes in how their breasts look and feel, rather than focusing on lumps alone.

“The biggest misconception is that breast cancer has to announce itself as a lump. It doesn’t," he says. “Sometimes the first sign is something you can see rather than something you can feel.”

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8 breast cancer symptoms women should look out for

According to the NHS and Cancer Research UK, breast cancer symptoms can include:

These changes can have causes other than cancer, so there is no need to panic if you notice something unusual. However, the NHS advises contacting your GP about any breast or nipple changes that are not normal for you.

1. Dimpling or puckering of the breast skin

One of the signs that can be easy to overlook is a change in the appearance of the breast skin. Dimpling can make an area look puckered or pulled in, even when there is no obvious lump to feel.

A patient featured by US cancer centre MD Anderson discovered dimpling despite being unable to feel a lump. Further investigation revealed invasive ductal carcinoma, a common type of breast cancer.

Dr Kubes says: “Look at your breasts as well as feeling them. If one area suddenly looks puckered, pulled in or dimpled when it didn’t before, don’t simply put it down to getting older or a change in your weight.

“Knowing what is normal for you makes it much easier to spot something that has changed.”

2. A persistent rash around the nipple

A rash around the nipple or areola can be mistaken for eczema, but a rare type of breast cancer called Paget’s disease of the breast can cause redness, scaling, itching, pain, burning, discharge or bleeding.

Most nipple rashes are not caused by cancer. However, Dr Kubes advises getting a persistent rash checked, particularly if it affects one nipple and does not behave like your usual eczema.

“Most nipple rashes will not be cancer, so there is no reason to panic,” he says.

“But if a rash is persistent, particularly if it is affecting one nipple and isn’t behaving like your usual eczema, it shouldn’t simply be ignored. Get it checked rather than assuming you already know what is causing it.”

3. Unusual nipple discharge or changes in appearance

Changes to the nipple can also be a warning sign. This includes a nipple turning inwards when it was not previously inverted, a change in its position or appearance, or unusual discharge.

Discharge can have several causes, but it is important to get a new or unexplained change assessed, especially if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding.

4. A hard area that does not go away

Breastfeeding can make it harder to identify changes because tenderness, lumps and blocked milk ducts are common during lactation.

One patient featured by MD Anderson initially believed a hard area in her breast was a blocked milk duct before being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.

Dr Kubes says breastfeeding should not automatically be assumed to explain a persistent change.

“Breastfeeding can obviously cause lumps, tenderness and changes in the breast, but that doesn’t mean every persistent change can safely be attributed to lactation," he says. “Don’t panic if you notice a change, but don’t ignore it either. You know your own body better than anyone.

“Don’t just check for lumps. Look, feel and notice what is normal for you. And if something changes, get it checked.”

How to check your breasts and when to see a GP

There is no single way breasts should look or feel, and they can change naturally during your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, breastfeeding and menopause.

The important thing is to become familiar with what is normal for you, so you are more likely to notice a new or unusual change.

You do not need to follow a complicated routine. Pay attention to the appearance of your breasts as well as how they feel, including around the nipples and towards your armpits.

If you notice a change that is unusual for you, make an appointment with your GP rather than waiting to see whether a lump develops. A change does not automatically mean cancer, but getting it checked is the best way to find out what is causing it.

What if breast cancer treatment involves radiotherapy?

For some women diagnosed with breast cancer, radiotherapy may be recommended as part of their treatment. Proton therapy is one option that may be considered for selected patients.

Dr Kubes says: “If radiotherapy is needed, there are also techniques such as proton therapy that can be considered in selected breast cancer patients.

“One of the potential advantages is that it can reduce radiation exposure to healthy tissue around the breast, including the heart and lungs, which can be particularly relevant for some women with left-sided breast cancer.”

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The most important first step, however, is recognising a change and seeking medical advice. Breast cancer does not always present as a lump, and knowing what is normal for your body can help you spot when something is different.

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