Most often the first sign of breast cancer is a lump in the breast. The lump is found most often in the upper, outer part of the breast. It is not usually painful. It may grow slowly or quickly.

Other signs of breast cancer include color change, dimpling, or puckering of the skin in an area of the breast; a change in the size or shape of the breast; discharge from the nipple; a recently inverted nipple; and lumps in the armpit.

Pain, tenderness, and soreness of the breast without a lump are not usually symptoms of cancer and occur commonly. But all breast symptoms that last more than a few days need to be evaluated by your doctor.