Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Oct 29: Breast cancer is often associated with a lump, but it can also present through subtle changes in the skin, nipple or surrounding areas. Recognising these warning signs and seeking timely medical advice can help women receive appropriate care.
According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 2.4 million women worldwide were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.
Dr Surender Kumar Dabas, Chairman of Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre and Onco Robotic Surgeries, North-West Cluster, Manipal Hospital Dwarka, New Delhi, has highlighted seven breast changes women should watch for.
A sudden change in breast size, shape or outline warrants attention, although slight differences between breasts are normal. Dimpling, puckering or skin resembling an orange peel may also indicate an underlying problem.
Persistent redness, unusual skin colour or swelling should not be ignored. On darker skin, changes in texture and swelling may be more noticeable than redness.
A newly inverted nipple or a change in its position also requires medical assessment, particularly if the change develops suddenly. Persistent rashes, crusting or scaling around the nipple should be checked if they do not resolve, rather than repeatedly being treated as ordinary dryness.
Unusual nipple discharge, especially bloody fluid or discharge that occurs spontaneously outside breastfeeding, is another warning sign. Swelling or a lump around the armpit or collarbone may also require investigation, even when no obvious lump is present in the breast.
Dr Sandip Bipte, consultant in breast surgery at P.D. Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre, Khar, has highlighted the gap in breast examination and awareness in India.
A nationally representative analysis of 353,518 Indian women aged 30–49, based on data from the 2019–21 National Family Health Survey, found that only about nine in every 1,000 women reported having undergone a breast examination. Women with lower levels of education and those from poorer households were less likely to have undergone testing.
Fear, financial constraints and distance from healthcare facilities can also prevent women from seeking timely medical attention. Breast awareness can help women recognise unusual changes, but it does not replace clinical assessment or recommended screening.
Women should consult a doctor if they notice a new lump, persistent skin dimpling, nipple changes, unusual discharge or unexplained swelling. Persistent breast or armpit pain also warrants medical evaluation.
Most breast changes are not caused by cancer, but a proper medical assessment is necessary to determine the cause. Early diagnosis can improve the chances of effective treatment.
Although a mirror cannot diagnose breast cancer and not every cancer produces visible changes, paying attention to what is unusual for one's body can be an important first step towards timely care.