Breast Lumps and Other Changes You Shouldn’t Ignore

• Menstrual cycle: Hormonal changes can cause breasts to feel fuller, lumpier or more tender, especially before a period.
• Pregnancy: Breasts often increase in size and sensitivity as the body prepares for breastfeeding.
• Breastfeeding: Changes in firmness, fullness and occasional tenderness are common during milk production.
• Menopause: Reduced hormone levels can make breasts feel softer or less dense over time.
• Ageing: Breast tissue gradually changes as fatty tissue replaces glandular tissue.

What Are Some Abnormal Breast Changes to Look Out For?

Abnormal breast changes are those that are new, persistent or unusual for you. These may include changes in the size or shape of the breast, skin changes such as dimpling, redness, or thickening, nipple changes including inversion, discharge, or rash and ongoing pain in one area.

While many of these changes can have benign causes, they should not be ignored. A medical assessment helps determine the cause, provides reassurance when findings are harmless and ensures timely care if further investigation is needed.

What If There Is a Breast Lump?

Noticing a breast lump can be worrying, but it is important to know that most breast lumps are non-cancerous. Common causes include cysts, fibroadenomas and hormonal changes.

For convenience and self-assurance, some women may opt for a breast self-examination in the comfort of their own home. While doctors typically recommend doing this on the same day every month, it is not possible to determine the cause of a lump based on how it feels alone. Hence, any new, growing or persistent lump should still be checked by a healthcare professional.

When to See a Doctor for a Breast Lump

You should consider seeing a doctor if you notice any breast change that is new, persistent or unusual for you. Early assessment helps provide reassurance and ensures that any concerns are addressed promptly.

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• A new breast lump or a lump that is growing or not going away.
• A change in the size or shape of one breast.
• Skin changes such as dimpling, redness or thickening.
• Nipple changes including inversion, discharge (especially if bloody) or a persistent rash.
• Ongoing pain in one area of the breast that does not improve.
• Any breast change that feels different from your usual pattern.

Meet Our Specialist

Dr Chong Chee Keong Breast, Colorectal and General Surgeon MBBS (Singapore), FRCS (Edinburgh), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS (Singapore) Specialist Accreditation in Intensive Care Medicine Specialists Accreditation Board, Medical Director & Senior Consultant

Dr Chong Chee Keong is a Breast, Colorectal and General Surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience. Dual-fellowship trained and highly accredited, he founded Maven Surgery with a commitment to elevating the standard of care for breast and colorectal cancers, the two most common cancers affecting women and men.

Dr Chong works closely with multidisciplinary teams of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists and remains actively involved in international cancer conferences to stay at the forefront of advancing techniques. He has a strong focus on minimally invasive surgery, recognising the importance of preserving self-image while maintaining treatment safety and effectiveness.