Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:
It's important to check your breasts regularly so you know what's normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.
There's separate information about symptoms of breast cancer in men.
Some of these symptoms, including breast lumps, are very common and can be caused by other conditions.
Having the symptoms does not definitely mean you have breast cancer, but it's important to get checked by a GP.
If your symptoms are caused by cancer, finding it early may mean it's easier to treat.
If breast cancer spreads to other parts of the body it's called secondary breast cancer.
The symptoms depend on which part of the body the cancer has spread to. It can spread anywhere, but it most commonly affects the bones, liver, lungs or brain.
You may also have general symptoms including:
The GP will ask about your symptoms. They may also ask about any breast screening you've had before, and if anyone in your family has had breast cancer.
If you have a lump or unusual changes, the GP may ask to look at and examine your breasts.
You'll need to undress from the waist up, behind a screen. You can have a friend, family member or another member of staff in the room with you during the examination if you want.
You may get a referral for more tests or to see a specialist at a breast clinic if the GP thinks you have symptoms that could be cancer. This does not definitely mean you have cancer.