Symptoms Breast cancer can cause symptomes. Pain is usually not an early warning sign of breast cancer. However, a woman should see her doctor if she notices any changes in her breasts. Changes may be caused by cancer or by other less serious problems. Only a doctor can tell for sure.
Early diagnosis is very important because breast cancer can be treated best before it has spread.
The earlier breast cancer is found and treated, the better a woman's chances for complete recovery. By carefully feeling the breast, the doctor can tell a lot about a breast lump-its size, its texture, and whether it is movable. The doctor may use a thin needle to remove fluid or a small amount of tissue from a breast lump. X-rays of the breast can give the doctor important information about a breast lump. Also, a mammogram can show tumors too small to be felt.