🔍 NHS & WHO sourced

Breast Cancer Symptoms — Lumps, Signs and What to Check

What does a breast cancer lump feel like? The NHS list of breast cancer symptoms — lumps, skin changes, nipple changes and pain — that should never be ignored.

Reviewed against NHS & WHO guidelines Last reviewed: January 2025 For educational purposes — not medical advice
✓ Most breast cancer lumps are painless — a painless lump should never be ignored
✓ 9 in 10 breast changes are NOT cancer, but always get checked
✓ The NHS two-week-wait pathway means you should see a specialist within 14 days of GP referral
✓ Skin changes such as dimpling or "orange peel" texture are important warning signs

The full NHS symptom list

Breast cancer can present in many ways. The most common symptom is a new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit. But there are many other signs. The NHS recommends seeing a GP without delay if you notice any of the following:

  • A new lump or thickening in the breast or armpit
  • A change in the size, shape or feel of the breast
  • Skin changes — dimpling, puckering, redness or a texture like orange peel
  • A change in the nipple — a nipple turning inward (inversion), discharge from a nipple (other than breast milk), or a rash or crusting around the nipple
  • Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone
  • Pain in the breast or armpit that is new, persistent and not related to the menstrual cycle

The TLC method: Touch–Look–Check

The NHS recommends that all women become "breast aware" — which simply means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, so that any change can be spotted early. This is sometimes called the TLC approach:

  • TOUCH your breasts and armpits with the flat of your fingers, feeling for any new lump, thickening or area that feels different from the rest.
  • LOOK at your breasts in the mirror with your arms by your sides and then raised, watching for changes in shape, contour or skin appearance.
  • CHECK anything new or unusual by seeing your GP promptly — most changes are not cancer, but only a doctor can confirm this.

There is no single "right" way or set frequency. The goal is simply to know what is normal for you, so that if anything changes you notice it.

What to do about a change

If you notice any of the symptoms above, contact your GP as soon as possible. You should not wait to see if it goes away. In the UK, if your GP suspects breast cancer they will refer you under the NHS two-week-wait pathway — you should see a breast specialist within two weeks.

Most breast changes turn out not to be cancer. But the only way to know is to get checked. Early diagnosis is the single most important factor in breast cancer survival, so acting quickly is always the right decision.

Signs of more advanced disease

In women where cancer has spread beyond the breast (secondary or metastatic breast cancer), additional symptoms may include: persistent bone pain, unexpected weight loss, shortness of breath, and neurological symptoms if cancer has spread to the brain. Any of these warrant urgent medical attention.

Frequently asked questions

What are the first signs of breast cancer? +
The most common first sign is a new, painless lump in the breast or armpit. Other early signs include a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, a nipple that turns inward, nipple discharge, or a rash around the nipple. Around 9 in 10 breast changes are not cancer — but the NHS advises seeing a GP promptly with any new or unusual change.
What does breast cancer feel like? +
Breast cancer most often feels like a hard, irregularly shaped lump that does not move easily. However, some cancers feel smooth or rounded, and not all cancers feel obviously different from normal breast tissue. Pain is not a reliable indicator — most early breast cancers are painless. Any new lump or thickening, however it feels, should be assessed by a GP.
What does a breast cancer lump feel like? +
A breast cancer lump is typically hard, may feel fixed rather than moving freely, and is often irregular in shape. However, lumps vary considerably — some are smooth and rounded. Any new lump, whatever it feels like, should be checked by a GP promptly. Most lumps turn out not to be cancer.
Can you have breast cancer with no lump? +
Yes. While a new lump is the most common symptom, breast cancer can present without a detectable lump — particularly in its early stages. Other warning signs include skin changes (dimpling, redness, an "orange peel" texture), nipple changes, swelling in the armpit, or persistent breast pain. This is why the NHS recommends being "breast aware" and not just checking for lumps.
Can breast cancer cause pain? +
Breast pain alone is rarely a sign of breast cancer. However, new, persistent pain in the breast or armpit that is present most of the time and not related to your menstrual cycle warrants a GP check — especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a lump or skin change.
How quickly should I see a GP about a breast change? +
You should contact your GP as soon as you notice an unusual change — do not wait to see if it resolves on its own. In the UK, your GP can refer you under the NHS two-week-wait pathway, meaning you should see a breast specialist within 14 days.

Clinical sources

  • NHS — www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer
  • World Health Organization — www.who.int

This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal medical guidance.

Continue reading

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What is Breast Cancer?
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How Breast Cancer is Diagnosed
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Breast Self-Examination — the TLC Method
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Mammogram and NHS Breast Screening — What to Expect