Space 01 · Understand

The signs

Chapter 02 of 15 · 8 cards · about 5 min

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Chapter 02 · The signs
THE QUESTION

Would you recognise breast cancer?

The answer in a few cards.

1 / 8

A lump

A lump or a harder area in the breast or under the arm. It is often painless.

Source: ACS, 2026 · Cancer Research UK (CRUK), 2026

2 / 8

The breast changes shape

A breast that changes size or shape for no reason.

Source: Cancer Research UK (CRUK), 2026

3 / 8

The skin changes

Skin that pulls in, dimples, looks like orange peel, or turns red.

Source: ACS, 2026

4 / 8

The nipple changes

A nipple that turns inwards or changes position, or a crust, redness or sore around it.

Source: ACS, 2026 · Cancer Research UK (CRUK), 2026

5 / 8

Discharge

Fluid coming out of the nipple when you are not breastfeeding, especially if it contains blood.

Source: Cancer Research UK (CRUK), 2026

6 / 8

Under the arm

A swelling or lump under the arm or near the collarbone may come from an affected .

Source: ACS, 2026

7 / 8

What about pain?

Cancer can be painless, or sometimes painful. No pain does not mean everything is fine.

Source: ACS, 2026

8 / 8

Don't wait

At the CNO, one patient in three saw a doctor 3 months or more after the first signs. The earlier you get checked, the simpler the treatment.

Source: PAMJ, 2025

DID YOU KNOW?

These signs can have causes other than cancer. That is exactly why you need a test: to know for sure.

Source: ACS, 2026

TRUE OR FALSE?

“If it doesn't hurt, it's not serious.”

TRUE OR FALSE?

““Orange peel” skin should be checked by a doctor.”

KEY POINTS
  • Lump, change in shape, skin or nipple, discharge: get checked.
  • Pain is not a reliable guide.
  • Getting checked early saves lives.
SOURCES FOR THIS CHAPTER

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.

Chapter complete!

You now know more than many people. Pass it on.

Next chapter: Risk factors →
Sources: ACS, 2026 · Cancer Research UK (CRUK), 2026 · PAMJ, 2025

15 stories to understand it all

Pick a question and let the cards guide you.

01To readWhat is breast cancer?Is a lump in the breast always cancer?5 min read02In progressThe signsWould you recognise breast cancer?5 min read03To readRisk factorsWhy do some people get breast cancer and others don't?5 min read04To readScreening, by country and ageShould you wait for a sign before getting a test?5 min read05To readDiagnosis and testsThey found a lump: what happens next?5 min read06To readTypes: hormone-sensitive, HER2, triple-negativeAre all breast cancers the same?5 min read07To readStagesWhat does “stage 2” mean?5 min read08To readTreatmentsHow is breast cancer treated?5 min read09To readLiving with treatment side effectsFatigue, hair, morale: how to get through treatment?5 min read10To readLife afterAnd when treatment is over?5 min read11To readGenetics and BRCAIs breast cancer passed down in families?5 min read12To readBreast cancer in menCan a man get breast cancer?5 min read13To readYoung womenI'm under 40: can it happen to me?5 min read14To readSupporting a loved oneHow can you help someone with breast cancer?5 min read15To readPreventionCan you reduce your risk of breast cancer?5 min read

Information based on publications by the WHO, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the French National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, Cancer Research UK and published scientific studies. The information on ROSE does not replace the advice of a health professional.