Often symptoms are not visible to the eye, nor are they able to be felt. If you do see or feel something, here is what to look for:

• Lump/Cyst
• Areas of thickening
• Dimple in breast
• Breast swelling/change in shape
• Spontaneous discharge (without squeezing) and bleeding
• Retraction or inversion of nipple (turns inward)
• Scaling or crusting of nipple
• Redness, change in color/feel of breast skin or areola (dark area around nipple)

Remember, it is rare that women under the age of 30 get breast cancer. You still need to know what to look for. Breast self-exams should be performed in the shower when you reach later adolescence once the breasts are fully developed. You should get used to how your breasts feel so that if changes occur later in life, it will be easier for you to identify. Getting in the habit of taking care of yourself is a good idea.