Breast cancer remains one of the most dangerous and fast-growing health threats for women worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer rates continue to rise sharply—especially in developing countries. In Vietnam, it ranks #1 in incidence and #3 in mortality among female cancers.

The scariest part?
Most women don’t notice the early signs, dismissing them as “normal hormonal changes” until the disease has already progressed.

Today, let’s break down the 6 early warning signs of breast cancer—explained in a clear, practical, and life-saving way.

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1. Persistent Breast or Chest Pain — Even Outside Your Period

Mild breast tenderness is normal during your menstrual cycle or pregnancy.
But pain that:

• happens even on normal days,

• gets progressively worse,

• increases right before your period,

… is NOT normal.

If you feel constant tightness, pressure, or swelling in your breast, you should get an ultrasound or MRI as soon as possible.

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2. One Breast Suddenly Becomes Larger

A noticeable difference in size between your two breasts—especially when it happens suddenly—is a red flag.

If your breast feels:

• unusually enlarged,

• swollen,

• firm or tight,

… this could indicate abnormal tissue growth that requires medical evaluation.

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3. A New Lump or Hard Mass in the Breast

This is one of the most well-known early signs.

Lumps may be:

• benign (harmless), or

• malignant (cancerous)

But either way, it needs attention.

Doctors strongly recommend self-breast examination every month, ideally one week after your menstrual period.

How to check:

1. Stand in front of a mirror and observe your breast shape.

2. Raise both arms and observe again.

3. Place your hands on your hips and lean forward to watch for changes.

4. When lying down, use your fingertips to feel for any abnormal masses.

Many breast cancer cases are detected early thanks to regular self-exams combined with ultrasound or mammography.

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4. Swollen Lymph Nodes Under the Armpit

While checking your breast, don’t skip the armpit area.

A lump under the armpit can be caused by:

• infection

• inflammation

• or early breast cancer

Some women only discover their cancer because they accidentally felt a swollen lymph node near the armpit while showering.

If you feel anything unusual, consult a doctor immediately.

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5. Skin Changes on the Breast

Your breast skin can reveal early cancer signs before you feel any pain.

Watch for:

• redness

• thickening

• dimpling (orange-peel skin texture)

• swelling

These can indicate inflammatory breast cancer — a more aggressive form that requires urgent treatment.

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6. Nipple Changes: Inversion, Hardening, or Abnormal Discharge

Some women have naturally inverted nipples, which is normal.

BUT if your nipple:

• suddenly becomes inverted,

• feels stiff or cannot be pulled outward,

• leaks unusual fluid,

• or if the skin around it becomes wrinkled or puckered,

…it could signal early-stage or even advanced breast cancer.

These changes should never be ignored.

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Why Early Screening Saves Lives

Finding breast cancer early is the most powerful weapon against it.

When detected at Stage 1, survival rates within 5 years can reach 80–90% with modern medical treatments, including:

• surgery

• radiation therapy

• chemotherapy

• hormone therapy

• targeted biological treatments

Women over 35, women with abnormal breast symptoms, and women who have never given birth should undergo breast screening every 6 months.

Early detection doesn’t just save your life—
it gives you options, time, and hope.