A lump or area of thickened tissue on the breast is often the first sign of breast cancer, but changes to the skin could also be a symptom of the most common cancer in the UK.
More than 55,000 women and roughly 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in the UK, according to Cancer Research UK. Early diagnosis sees 98% of people in stage one of the cancer survive more than five years after diagnosis, but it is incurable once it progresses to stage four.
Catching it early requires knowing the shape, size and texture of your breasts, as well as going for routine breast screenings. Being familiar with what feels normal for your body is crucial for recognising the signs of a condition that kills more than 10,000 people a year.
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The NHS encourages people to see a GP if they notice a change in the skin on their breasts or nipples. The website says this could include "a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness", or a "rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple".
Cancer Research UK said: "The skin might look like orange peel or the texture might feel different. This can be caused by other breast conditions. But get your doctor to check out anything that is not normal for you."
You should see a GP if you notice any of the following, according to the NHS website:
- a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before
- a change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
- a discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- a lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- a change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
- a change in the appearance of your nipple, such as becoming sunken into your breast
Most breast lumps are not cancer, instead indicating cysts or normal areas of lumpiness. Always get lumps or skin changes checked by a doctor who will be able to determine if it is a health concern.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites all women, and some trans and non-binary people, from the age of 50 to 70 for screening every 3 years. Attending when invited could save your life.
