Breast Cancer: Signs, Symptoms, and When to See Your GP

Breast Cancer: key facts at a glance.

Following the news that 'Glee' dancer Brittany Parks has revealed her breast cancer diagnosis (11 August 2026), it's got a lot of people naturally thinking more about their own breasts. When someone in the public eye shares something like this, it does tend to make you stop and actually pay attention to your own body.

This guide is built around what the NHS itself advises on the signs and symptoms. It is not here to give you personalised medical advice — no article can do that. What it can do is help you get a clearer picture of what's typical, and crucially, when it's time to actually pick up the phone and book that GP appointment.

What Are the Main Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

The NHS points to a number of specific changes in the breast that should put you on alert. These can show up in the breast tissue, the nipple, or the skin around it. Getting to know what feels normal for you, really knowing your own body, is probably the single most useful thing you can do here, because it's what lets you spot something new early. Our breast cancer diagnosis symptoms uk guide covers more on this topic.

The signs and symptoms to watch out for are:

• A new lump or a patch of thickened tissue in either breast that you are sure was not there before. This is what most people notice first. A useful thing to remember is that most lumps found in the breast are not cancer, but they should always be looked at by a doctor.
• One breast changing in size, outline, or shape compared to the other.
• The skin dimpling or puckering, which sometimes has a texture a bit like an orange peel.
• A rash that appears on or around the nipple.
• Discharge coming from either nipple that you have not squeezed. This is a specific symptom the NHS flags.
• The nipple changing its position — it might get pulled inward, which doctors call inverted, or just start pointing a different way.
• The skin on your breast altering in appearance or texture, becoming red, scaly, looking crinkled, or developing a pitted look.
• Pain in your breast or armpit that is a new sensation and won't go away. Pain is a less frequent symptom, certainly, but it still needs checking out.

Why Checking Your Breasts Regularly Matters

There's no need to get bogged down in some complex, rigid self-examination routine. The NHS does not actually recommend a specific technique for this. What it does encourage is being "breast aware" — which is really just a formal way of saying you should get familiar with how your breasts normally look and feel, and how that might change across the month.

Your breast tissue is going to change naturally. Your menstrual cycle, pregnancy, if you're breastfeeding, going through the menopause, or even shifts in weight all have an effect. These are perfectly normal things. When you know what's typical for you, you are far more likely to catch something new or different at an early stage. And early detection is important. Breast cancers found early are often smaller and much more treatable. The NHS Breast Screening Programme is designed to pick up cancers before you'd ever feel a lump yourself, but being breast aware yourself adds another layer of awareness on top of that.

You could check your breasts while you're in the bath or shower, or when you're getting dressed, or even when you're putting on moisturiser. There is no right or wrong way to do it. Just have a look and a feel, making sure you cover the area up to your collarbone and into your armpits.

Is a Lump Always a Lump to Worry About?

Finding a lump in your breast is, frankly, terrifying. Your mind immediately jumps to the worst-case scenario, and that is a completely natural reaction. However, the NHS confirms that most breast lumps are benign — meaning they are not cancerous. There are several common, harmless conditions that can be behind a lump.

Benign breast lumps can be caused by:

• Fibroadenomas: These feel smooth and rubbery, and they tend to move quite easily under the skin. They are very common, particularly in younger women, and are not cancerous.
• Breast cysts: These are sacs filled with fluid that can feel firm or tender to touch. They may change in size depending on where you are in your menstrual cycle.
• Breast abscesses: A painful, swollen collection of pus that is usually the result of a bacterial infection. This one is more common in women who are breastfeeding.

Even though most lumps are not cancer, you have to see your GP if you find a new one. A medical professional is the only person who can properly assess what is going on. Your GP will talk through your symptoms, examine your breasts, and if they think it's needed, refer you to a specialist breast clinic for more tests.

What About Nipple Discharge and Skin Changes?

Nipple discharge can be caused by all sorts of things, and most of them are not serious. That said, the NHS is clear that discharge which happens without you squeezing your nipple should be looked into, particularly if it is bloodstained or if it is only coming from one breast. This kind of discharge can, in some cases, be a symptom of breast cancer. For a deeper look at the full range of presentations, see our breast cancer symptoms nhs guide.

Changes to the skin on your breast are another sign that needs your attention. These can include:

• Redness or a rash that just won't go away. Sometimes this can look like eczema, with crusting, flaking, or itching of the nipple or the skin around it. This could be a sign of a rare type of breast cancer called Paget's disease.
• Pitting or dimpling of the skin, which can resemble the peel of an orange. This is sometimes referred to by its French name, "peau d'orange".
• The skin appearing to be pulled in or puckered.

Noticing any of these changes means you should get to your GP promptly for an assessment.

How Common Is Breast Cancer in the UK?

Breast cancer holds the unfortunate position of being the most common cancer in the UK. Data from Cancer Research UK shows that around 56,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year in this country. That works out to roughly 150 women getting that news every single day.

It is far more common in women over the age of 50, yes, but breast cancer can affect people of any age, and that includes men. Around 400 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK each year. The sheer prevalence of it is why the NHS runs a national screening programme, and why knowing the symptoms is something that matters for everyone. Our overview of cancer signs symptoms nhs explains more about the wider warning signs to watch for across all cancer types.

How Does the NHS Breast Screening Programme Work?

The NHS Breast Screening Programme provides free screening mammograms — which are essentially breast X-rays — to all women aged 50 to 71 who are registered with a GP in England. An invitation for this screening should land on your doormat every three years. The whole point of screening is to find breast cancers at a very early stage, often before you would be able to notice any symptoms yourself.

If you fall outside that age group but are worried about your risk or have symptoms you are concerned about, you should talk to your GP. They can look at your individual situation and make a referral for screening or further investigation if they think it is appropriate.

It is worth understanding that screening is not a perfect test. It can miss some cancers, and it can sometimes flag a possible abnormality that turns out not to be cancer at all — what doctors call a false positive. This is exactly why being breast aware and telling your GP about any symptoms remains essential, no matter what your screening status says.

What Happens at a GP Appointment for Breast Symptoms?

If you go to your GP about a breast symptom, the appointment will usually follow a few steps. First off, your GP is going to ask you questions about your symptoms, when they first started, and whether they have changed at all. They may also ask about your personal and family medical history.

Next, your GP will most likely want to examine your breasts. This is a physical examination where they will look at and feel your breast tissue, your armpits, and the area around your collarbone. They are on the lookout for lumps, skin changes, or anything else that seems unusual.

After that examination, your GP will decide on the next steps. If they think your symptoms need a closer look, they will refer you to a specialist breast clinic. Most referrals to a breast clinic turn out to be for non-cancerous conditions, but it is essential to get checked. You should be seen at the clinic within two weeks of your referral. At the clinic, you may have further tests such as a mammogram, ultrasound, or a biopsy.

Breast Cancer: what it means for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Last updated: 2026-08-11 · Written by the Walton Surgery editorial team · Medical information is for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional.