Symptoms are present for the majority of breast cancer cases, which is why understanding what these symptoms are means you can take action quickly. These are changes that may affect the breast tissue, nipple or skin. While they do not always point to cancer, they should never be ignored. Regularly checking your breasts can help you notice what feels normal for you, and attending breast screening appointments when invited offers another way of detecting problems at an early stage.

Unfortunately, there are times when the symptoms of breast cancer are overlooked, misdiagnosed, or not diagnosed until later than they should have been. When this happens, treatment options may be reduced and the impact on health can be more severe.

The medical negligence solicitors at JMW who specialise in breast cancer negligence claims explain how you can identify breast cancer symptoms and the risk factors for being diagnosed, as well as the potential damage delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis can cause for people with breast cancer. 

What Are the Five Signs of Breast Cancer?

Any of the following signs could be symptoms of breast cancer. If you experience any of them, speak to your GP as soon as possible.

1. Breast Lumps

Lumps in the breast are one of the most common symptoms of breast cancer. However, the absence of a lump does not rule out the condition and a lump does not always indicate cancer, as benign growths can also occur. These lumps may develop for a number of reasons, including natural fluctuations in hormones, infections, fat necrosis (where fatty tissue becomes damaged), or duct ectasia (a harmless change affecting the milk ducts). While breast lumps are often painless, this is not always the case, and discomfort should not be dismissed. Lumps can appear anywhere within the breast mass or under the armpit, and any new or unusual change should be taken seriously.

Even though many lumps turn out to be benign, it is always advisable to seek medical advice to check. The NHS provides further guidance on breast lumps and changes. 

2. Change in Breast Size or Shape

A sudden change in the size or shape of one or both breasts can be a warning sign. While it is common to experience some fluctuation in breast size as part of the menstrual cycle, any new or unexpected change should be taken seriously. It is also normal for each breast to be slightly different in size from the other breast, but a sudden alteration in their appearance may need investigation.

Changes in breast size or shape can present in different ways. One breast may become noticeably larger or smaller in a short space of time, or its outline may appear different compared to how it usually looks. Although many of these changes can be linked to non-cancerous causes such as hormonal fluctuations or benign breast conditions, they should always be assessed by a doctor. 

3. Breast Skin Dimpling, Puckering or Redness

Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breast may appear as small indentations or as a surface that resembles an orange peel texture. These changes can sometimes be more noticeable when the arm is raised or when the breast is moved, as the skin may pull inwards rather than remaining smooth.

While dimpling can be linked to breast cancer, there are also non-cancerous causes. Fat necrosis, which develops when fatty breast tissue is damaged, can lead to firm lumps beneath the skin and visible dimpling. Women who are breastfeeding may also notice dimpling caused by inflammation, particularly if a milk duct becomes blocked or infected.

Although dimpling does not always indicate cancer, any new change in the skin of the breast should be taken seriously and assessed by a doctor. Prompt examination helps to confirm whether the cause is benign or requires further treatment.

Redness of the breast skin, especially when accompanied by swelling, can be another concerning change. This may be linked to inflammatory breast cancer, a rare but aggressive form of the disease. While infections such as mastitis can also cause redness, particularly in breastfeeding women, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out more serious causes.

4. Nipple Changes

Changes to the nipple can be a sign that something is wrong and should never be ignored. Some people may be concerned by the nipple turning inwards, which is known as an inverted nipple, particularly if this change happens suddenly and was not present before. Others may develop an eczema-like rash or crusting on the nipple or the surrounding areola, which can sometimes be mistaken for a skin condition.

These changes can be linked to breast cancer, but they may also be caused by other issues such as eczema, infections, or benign breast conditions. Because the causes can vary, it is always best to seek medical advice from a GP. They can assess the changes, carry out an examination, and, if needed, refer you to a specialist for further tests to rule out or confirm breast cancer. 

5. Unusual Discharge

Discharge from the nipple, particularly if it is bloody or clear, can sometimes be a sign of breast cancer. This type of discharge usually comes from a single breast and may happen without squeezing or stimulation. Spontaneous or persistent discharge is more concerning than discharge that only occurs occasionally.

There are, however, non-cancerous reasons why nipple discharge may appear. During pregnancy and breastfeeding, discharge is common and usually harmless, as the breasts naturally produce breast milk or colostrum. Breast infections can also cause discharge, sometimes accompanied by pain, swelling or redness. Blocked or enlarged milk ducts may lead to fluid being released, and small non-cancerous growths inside the milk ducts, known as papillomas, can produce discharge as well. In these cases, the discharge may vary in colour and texture, but it can still be alarming to notice.

Because it is not always possible to tell the cause without medical assessment, any new or unexplained nipple discharge should be taken seriously and checked by a doctor. 

What Can Increase Your Risk of Getting Breast Cancer?

Anyone can develop breast cancer, but some factors are known to increase the likelihood. These are

• Being female - 99% of breast cancers are in women
• Older age - 80% of breast cancers are in women over the age of 50 
• A family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or inheriting certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Higher lifetime exposure to oestrogen, which could be caused by periods starting early, going through menopause later in life, or using certain hormone therapies.
• Lifestyle and environmental influences:
• Obesity
• Regular alcohol consumption
• Lack of physical activity
• Previous radiation exposure to the chest

Having one or more of these risk factors does not mean someone will definitely develop cancer, but it does increase the chances of a breast cancer diagnosis compared to people without them.

Despite the common perception that breast cancer only affects women, men can also develop the condition. Although male breast cancer is rare, it remains a possibility, and men who experience symptoms of breast cancer should seek medical advice without delay. Early recognition and investigation can make a difference to diagnosis and treatment.

How Does Delayed Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis Affect Outcomes?

The NHS ‘two-week rule’ was introduced to reduce the risks linked with cancer and to give people the best possible chance of receiving timely care. For instance, if a doctor suspects cancer, they can make an urgent referral so that the patient is seen by a specialist within 14 days. A diagnosis - either confirming cancer or ruling it out - should be reached within 28 days, with treatment starting within 31 days of the decision to treat, and no later than 62 days from the original urgent referral.

These strict timeframes are in place because early diagnosis often means that cancer is found at a stage where more treatment options are available, which can improve both prognosis and quality of life. When there are delays or a misdiagnosis occurs, the outcomes can be very different. Cancer may spread to surrounding tissues or to other parts of the body, known as metastasis, which can make it harder to treat and may lower survival rates. For some, this may mean that curative treatments such as surgery are no longer an option, leaving only treatments aimed at slowing progression or managing symptoms.

A misdiagnosis can also mean that people are given treatments that are not appropriate for their condition, which can delay the correct treatment and expose them to unnecessary side effects. In some cases, ineffective treatment may allow the cancer to advance to a stage where it is less responsive to therapy.

Beyond the physical health effects, these delays can have a psychological impact, leaving people with feelings of uncertainty, anxiety and distress while they wait for answers or live with the consequences of late-stage diagnosis. Family members may also be affected, particularly when treatment options are limited or prognosis worsens.

By acting quickly under the two-week rule, the NHS aims to reduce these risks, giving people the best possible chance of accessing the right treatment at the right time.

How Medical Negligence Solicitors Can Help You Make a Claim

If you feel you have experienced medical negligence in the diagnosis or treatment of your breast cancer care, or if a loved one has sadly died because their cancer was missed, misdiagnosed, or not treated appropriately, specialist solicitors can guide you through the process of making a claim. Breast cancer negligence claims rely on detailed medical evidence, including records, test results and expert opinions, to show how the standard of care fell below what should have been provided and what difference this made to the outcome.

Medical negligence solicitors can support you by handling the legal process, liaising with medical experts, and building a strong case on your behalf. They will also take into account not just the physical impact of negligence, but the psychological, social and financial consequences you or your family may have experienced.