Breast Lump or Cancer? Causes, Symptoms & How to Check at Home
You're in the shower or getting dressed when your hand brushes against something unfamiliar…a lump in your breast. Your heart skips a beat.
Before your mind races to worst-case scenarios, take a breath. Finding a lump can be scary, but it doesn't automatically mean cancer. In fact, roughly 80% of breast lumps are actually benign, meaning they're not cancerous, caused by factors like hormonal changes, fluid-filled cysts, or fibroadenomas.
That said, it's important not to ignore it either. A lump in the breast is your body's way of getting your attention, and it's worth listening. The good news? With the correct information and timely action, you can figure out which is a breast cancer symptom, which is not, and what to do next, without spiralling into panic.
In this blog, we'll walk you through the most common breast lump causes, signs that might suggest something serious, and how to do a breast self-examination.
What's normal and what's not when it comes to breast lumps
Your breasts aren't static. They shift with hormones, age, your cycle, and even stress. So it's completely normal to feel changes over time, whether that be a new lump in the breast, a thicker patch, or a change in shape or texture.
The tricky part is knowing when something is just part of that natural fluctuation and when it might be worth a second look.
Here's a general rule: a normal breast lump is usually soft or rubbery, moves under your fingers, and feels similar to the tissue in your other breast. It might come and go with your period and usually isn't fixed in place.
While we did say that not all changes mean cancer, some breast cancer symptoms, especially in early stages, can be subtle.
So, here are some signs that it's a good idea to check in with a healthcare provider:
- A lump that feels harder, more defined, or doesn't move easily
- A new lump that wasn't there before or stands out from the surrounding tissue
- Thickening or fullness in one specific area
- Swelling or a hard knot under the arm
- Skin changes like redness, warmth, dimpling, or irritation
- Pulling in of the nipple or any nipple changes
- Discharge from the nipple (especially if clear or bloody)
- Localised pain that sticks around in one spot
- Anything that just feels "off" compared to your usual
Your body is always sending signals. Knowing how to interpret them is the first step in taking charge of your breast health!
What causes a lump in your breast?
Many symptoms of breast cancer in women, like a lump in the breast, swelling, or tenderness, can have a wide range of underlying causes. Not all of them are dangerous, but some do need medical attention. Understanding the root of these changes can help you take the proper next steps.
Below are some of the most common breast lump causes, ranging from harmless fluid-filled cysts to conditions that might require a follow-up:
1. Breast cysts
These are fluid-filled sacs that can feel smooth, round, and a little firm. They often show up before your period and may shrink or go away afterwards. They can be a bit tender, but they're usually benign and don't require treatment unless they're painful or persist.
2. Fibrocystic breast changes
If your breasts feel ropy, thick, or tender in certain areas – especially before your period – it could be fibrocystic changes.
So, should this be a cause of worry? Not really, this is a hormonal response, not a disease, so there's no need to panic. The texture can feel uneven, but it usually settles after your cycle.
That said, since some stage 1 breast cancer symptoms can feel similar, it's smart to check in with your doctor if it doesn't go away.
3. Fibroadenomas
These are solid, non-cancerous lumps that feel smooth and move around under the skin, like a small rubbery ball. They're common in younger women and may change size with hormones, pregnancy, or birth control.
Usually harmless, they can sometimes be monitored or removed, so do get a professional opinion.
4. Injury or fat necrosis
A blow to the breast or post-surgery healing can cause fat necrosis, where fatty tissue becomes firm and forms a lump in the breast. It's benign but can feel suspicious and can often look like breast cancer symptoms on scans, so doctors may order a biopsy to be sure.
5. Breast cancer
While most breast lumps aren't cancerous, some are, so you should take any new or unusual lump in the breast seriously. Cancerous lumps tend to feel hard, irregular, and fixed in place, but not always.
If a lump doesn't feel like your usual breast tissue, or you've already noticed other breast cancer symptoms, make sure to see a doctor.
How to check for breast lumps at home
Self-exams aren't about being perfect; they're about being present. When you're familiar with what's normal for your breasts, it's easier to pick up on anything that feels off.
This isn't a substitute for mammograms, and it won't catch everything. However, it is a simple way to stay in tune with your body. Many symptoms of breast cancer in women can be easy to miss, so paying attention, even once a month, can make a real difference.
You don't need a perfect technique, and you definitely don't need to run through all the steps every time. Just choose one that feels doable for you. Try doing it a few days after your period ends — your breasts will be less tender, and you'll get a clearer sense of what's normal.
Once you're ready to give it a try, these are some simple ways to start:
In the shower: Use the pads of your fingers to move in small, gentle circles across your entire breast and up into your armpit. Feel for any lumps, thick areas, or changes in texture.
In front of a mirror: Stand with your arms by your side, then raise them overhead. Look for changes in shape, symmetry, skin texture, or anything that looks off; some early breast cancer symptoms are visible before they're felt.
Lying down: This position helps spread the tissue more evenly. Lie on your back with a pillow under one shoulder and your arm raised above your head. With the other hand, check your breasts using light, medium, and firm pressure.
Again, this isn't a perfect science; it's about knowing your normal. If something feels unfamiliar or off, it's always okay to ask a doctor to take a closer look.
Your next step matters: Stay proactive about breast cancer symptoms
Noticing a lump in your breast or any sudden change can bring up a lot of questions, and it's completely valid to feel unsure about what it means.
While many breast lumps are harmless, knowing the difference and recognising breast cancer symptoms early can make a huge difference. The key is knowing your body, paying attention to changes, and reaching out when something doesn't feel right.
Self-checks are a good starting point, but they aren't a substitute for expert care. If you ever feel uncertain, trust your instincts and speak to a professional. Building a routine of checking for any lump in the breast regularly is a powerful habit that supports long-term breast health.
FAQs on breast cancer symptoms
Is it normal to have a lump in your breast?
Lumps that are soft, smooth, and move around under your fingers, especially if they come and go with your cycle, are often nothing to worry about. These are usually cysts or fibrocystic changes, and they aren't linked to serious breast cancer symptoms. Still, if it feels different from your usual, it's worth getting checked.
How long to wait after finding a lump in the breast?
Give it a couple of weeks, especially if you're close to your period. Some lumps in the breast do shrink or disappear on their own. But if it sticks around, gets bigger, or feels different, don't put it off. Some stage 1 breast cancer symptoms can be easy to miss if you wait too long.
What is the 2-week rule for breast lumps?
It's simple: if a lump in the breast lasts more than two weeks, it should be looked at. Many lumps are harmless, but some early symptoms of breast cancer in women, like a firm or fixed lump, need follow-up, even if they're not painful.
Can a bra cause a lump?
Not really. An underwire might irritate the area or make an existing lump feel sore, but they're not linked to breast cancer symptoms. If you find a lump in your breast, rest assured, it's not your bra, but it's definitely something to get checked out.