Symptoms of breast cancer in women may include:

• a lump, or swelling in your breast, chest or armpit
• a change in the skin of your breast, such as dimpling (may look like orange peel) or redness (may be harder to see on black or brown skin)
• a change in size or shape of 1 or both breasts
• nipple discharge (if you are not pregnant or breastfeeding), which may have blood in it.
• a change in the shape or look of your nipple, such as it turning inwards (inverted nipple) or a rash on it (may look like eczema)
• pain in your breast or armpit that does not go away – breast pain that comes and goes is usually not a symptom of breast cancer

It’s important to check your breasts regularly to be familiar with what’s normal for you. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the size, look or feel of your breasts.

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits. To lower your risk:

• Limit or stay away from alcohol.
• Stay at a healthy weight
• Get active – exercise, physical activity
• Breastfeeding
• If you smoke, quit.

Nipple discharge that’s bloody or clear may be a sign of breast cancer. This is especially true if it’s leaking from just one breast. People with nipple discharge due to cancer often feel a lump on their breast, as well.

Still, breast cancer rarely causes most nipple discharge. Most of the time, there are normal, harmless reasons why women have nipple discharge even when they aren’t pregnant or lactating.

Contact a healthcare provider about any nipple discharge that’s new, that lasts longer than a few weeks or if the discharge:

• Comes from one breast only.
• Happens without breast stimulation.
• Is pink or bloody.
• Is accompanied by a lump, redness or breast pain.

The exact cause of breast cancer is not fully understood. Experts know breast cancer happens when breast cells mutate and become cancerous cells that divide and multiply to create tumors. They aren’t sure what triggers that change. However, research shows there are several risk factors that may increase your chances of developing breast cancer. These include:

• Age: At more risk after the age of 40.
• Sex: Women are much more likely to develop the condition than men.
• Family history: If your parents, siblings, children or other close relatives have breast cancer, you’re at risk of developing the disease.
• Menarche: having periods at younger age and menopause at an older age
• Pregnancy: Becoming pregnant at an older age or never being pregnant
• Genetics: Up to 15% of people with breast cancer develop the disease because they have inherited genetic mutations. The most common genetic mutations involve the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. 
• Smoking: Tobacco use has been linked to many different types of cancer, including breast cancer.
• Drinking beverages containing alcohol: Research shows that drinking beverages containing alcohol may increase breast cancer risk. 
• Personal history of breast cancer: A cancer in one breast increases the chances of having cancer in the other breast
• Having obesity and over weight
• Radiation exposure: If you’ve had prior radiation therapy — especially to your head, neck or chest — you’re more likely to develop breast cancer.
• Hormone replacement therapy: People who use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have a higher risk of being diagnosed with the condition, including long-term contraceptive use or postmenopausal Hormone therapy

Breast cancer can strike at any age, though most people are over 40 when they receive a diagnosis. But you can be diagnosed while you’re younger, too. Even adolescents and young adults can get breast cancer.

Breast cancer in young women also known as early-onset breast cancer — is when you receive a breast cancer diagnosis between the ages of 18 and 45.

It is possible for breast cancer to go into complete remission. The outlook tends to be better if a person is diagnosed early and receives treatment in the early stages of the disease.

Advanced breast cancer may not be curable. However, treatment can improve symptoms and prolong a person’s life. It is important to remember that cancer treatments are continuing to improve survival rates. A person’s outlook can depend on a variety of factors, such as:

• the type of breast cancer
• the stage of breast cancer
• the tumor grade
• the type of treatment a person can access

Yes, breast cancer can cause back pain, but it’s not the most common symptom. It’s more common to have symptoms like a lump in your breast, a change in the skin over your breast, or a change in your nipple.

While back pain isn’t typically a sign of breast cancer, it may indicate that cancer has spread. Breast cancer can spread to the bones in the spine causing pressure on the spinal cord. The pressure can stop the nerves from working normally. This is called spinal cord compression. Back pain is usually the first symptom of spinal cord compression.

Spinal cord compression is an emergency.  If you have back pain and other cancer symptoms, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor.

Breast cancer is most common in older women. But if you are a younger woman who has had breast cancer, you might question if this has affected your fertility (ability to have children) and if there are any extra risks if you become pregnant.

Many women are able to become pregnant after being treated for breast cancer. However, some treatments can make it harder to get pregnant. If you think you might want to have children one day, or just want to keep your options open, the best time to talk to your doctor about this is before you begin breast cancer treatment.

The best treatment for breast cancer depends on several factors. The stage of your breast cancer and the type of breast cancer you may have are important factors in making decisions about your treatment.

Most women with breast cancer in stages I, II, or III are treated with surgery, often followed by radiation therapy. Many women also get some kind of systemic drug therapy (medicine that travels to almost all areas of the body). In general, the more the breast cancer has spread, the more treatment you will likely need. But your treatment options are affected by your personal preferences and other information about your breast cancer, such as:

• If the cancer cells have hormone receptors. 
• If the cancer cells have large amounts of the HER2 protein 
• How fast the cancer is growing
• Your overall health
• If you have gone through menopause or not

Talk with your doctor about how these factors can affect your treatment options.