Breast cancer: 10 lesser-known symptoms that deserve more attention

In the United States of America, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women, and the second leading cause of cancer death.

In 2025, according to the American Cancer Society, it's estimated that approximately 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the US, with about 42,170 deaths. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, and 1 in 43 will die from it. The 5-year relative survival rate for all breast cancer patients is 91%, and for localized breast cancer, it's 99%.

In an emotional message, the 37-year-old singer disclosed that she received the diagnosis just before the release of her single "No Secrets" in April. She plans to undergo surgery following her performance at Capital's Summertime Ball on June 15. Jessie J's openness about her diagnosis has been met with widespread support from fans and fellow artists. Her announcement underscores the significance of early screening and awareness, particularly among younger women, as approximately 10,000 women under 50 are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in the UK.

When it comes to breast cancer, the presence of a lump is often the first sign that comes to mind. However, many individuals are unaware that breast cancer can manifest through a variety of other symptoms that may be subtle or easily mistaken for less serious conditions. Being aware of these lesser-known symptoms and seeking timely medical evaluation can lead to early detection and more effective treatment outcomes.

One of the more subtle signs of breast cancer is a change in the skin over the breast. This can include redness, thickening, or a dimpled appearance resembling the texture of an orange peel. Such changes may indicate inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a rare but aggressive form of the disease. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with infections or other benign conditions, so any persistent skin changes should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Unexpected discharge from the nipple, especially if it's clear, bloody, or occurs without squeezing, can be a warning sign of breast cancer. While nipple discharge can be normal during breastfeeding or pregnancy, any spontaneous discharge in individuals who are not breastfeeding warrants medical attention.

A sudden change in the direction of the nipple, such as it turning inward or becoming flattened, can be indicative of a tumor pulling on the underlying tissue. This change may occur in one or both breasts and should be assessed by a doctor, especially if it develops suddenly.

While breast pain is often linked to hormonal changes and is typically not associated with cancer, persistent pain in a specific area of the breast that doesn't fluctuate with the menstrual cycle should be investigated. This type of localized pain can sometimes be a sign of an underlying tumor.

Feeling unusually tired or fatigued, even after adequate rest, can be an early sign of breast cancer. This fatigue is often persistent and not relieved by sleep, potentially indicating that the body is fighting an underlying condition.

A noticeable change in the size or shape of one breast, especially if it occurs suddenly, can be a sign of breast cancer. This may be due to swelling caused by a tumor or changes in the tissue structure. Any such alterations should be promptly evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Swelling or the presence of lumps in the armpit or above the collarbone can indicate that breast cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes. Even in the absence of a breast lump, swollen lymph nodes can be an early sign of breast cancer.

Unexplained itching or the development of a rash on the breast, particularly if it's localized and doesn't resolve with typical treatments, can be a sign of Paget's disease of the breast. This rare form of cancer affects the nipple and areola and may present as a scaly, itchy rash.

Persistent pain in the upper back or shoulder area, especially if it's not related to physical activity or injury, can be an early sign of breast cancer. This pain may result from the spread of cancer to the bones or nerves in the back and shoulders.

Sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a systemic sign of breast cancer or other cancers. This occurs when the body uses more energy than usual, often due to the presence of a tumor.