Breast cancer is a prevalent disease among women, and menopause is a time when women may be at higher risk, making it essential to be aware of the early warning signs of breast cancer. Early detection is crucial for successful treatment, which may involve medical treatments such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy for breast cancer, or HER2 targeted therapy for HER2 breast cancer—treatments vary based on the type. It is also recommended that regular screening for women in this age group is done in addition to regular self-assessments to check for any changes in the breasts. Here are early warning signs of breast cancer to watch out for during menopause:

1. Lumps

A lump in the breast is often one of the first signs of breast cancer. The lump may feel hard or rubbery and may be painless or tender to the touch. However, not all lumps are cancerous, and some benign conditions like cysts or fibroadenomas can also cause lumps in the breast.

2. Thickening or swelling of the breast

Breast cancer can cause thickening or swelling of the breast tissue. This may occur in one breast or both and can be accompanied by a lump or not. The breast may feel heavier than usual, and there may be changes in the shape or size of the breast.

3. Changes in breast sensation

Breast cancer can sometimes cause increased sensitivity or numbness in the breast or nipple, so watching for changes in breast sensation is essential. These changes can be very subtle, which is why regular self-examination is so important.

4. Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge that is not related to breastfeeding or pregnancy can be a warning sign of breast cancer. The discharge may be clear or bloody and may occur from one or both nipples. Other non-cancerous conditions, such as infections or hormonal changes, can also cause nipple discharge

5. Redness or rash on the breast

An unexplained rash or redness on the skin of the breast may appear as eczema or dermatitis, but it can be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer—this type is rare but aggressive, so early diagnosis and medical attention is essential.

6. Dimpling of the skin

Breast cancer can cause changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or puckering. The skin may look like an orange peel or have a texture that resembles a dimple. This occurs when the cancer cells pull on the breast tissue, causing it to become tethered to the underlying tissue

7. Changes in appearance of the nipples

Nipple inversion or a change in color, shape, or texture of the nipple should not be ignored. Any deviation from the normal appearance of your nipples should be a raise for concern and discussed with a healthcare provider sooner than later.