Age is one of the most critical risk factors for breast cancer. As women hit menopause, there are several changes in the body, which increases the chances of a diagnosis. However, this risk must not be measured independently; it must be calculated based on other factors, such as a close family member diagnosed with breast cancer and a breast biopsy to remove a benign growth/disease. Here are some of the symptoms of breast cancer in menopausal women.

1. Lump on the breast
This is probably one of the most common symptoms of breast cancer in menopausal women. This lump can appear on any part of the breast. While only 20% of such lumps are malignant, this number becomes significant and increases with age. So, the older you are, the higher is the risk. It is crucial to stay alert, do breast exams often, and contact your physician as early as possible.

2. Swelling or general soreness
An early sign of breast cancer is swelling in the breast area, which may be accompanied by a general soreness too. It’s important to stay watchful as swelling may be significant enough to change the size and shape of the breast. The swelling may affect a small part of the breast or the entire breast.

3. Any discharge from the nipple
Nipple discharge of any kind is a warning sign, and it must be thoroughly investigated. The color of the discharge may be a point of concern. However, whether the discharge is runny, thick, colored, or clear, it is a sign of breast cancer, and it must be investigated sufficiently well.

4. Swelling in the underarm area
Swelling or tenderness in the underarm may be one of the symptoms of breast cancer in menopausal women. Generally, cancerous cells in the breast travel first to the underarm region. So, any pain or discomfort in the area must be examined thoroughly.

5. Skin dimpling or redness in the skin
While these are general signs associated with breast cancer, these may be more prominent in aging women. Generally, when the skin in a portion of the breast inverts, it causes a dimpling in the skin. Also, when the cancer cells affect the lymph nodes in an area, it causes redness. Such dimpling or redness in the breasts is a sign that breast cancer has developed.

6. Nipple inversion signs
Depending on the stage and seriousness of the breast cancer, you may see nipple inversion. If cancer cells are affecting the area behind the nipple, it may cause the nipple to turn inward. Among the many symptoms of breast cancer in menopausal women, this is probably one of the more prominent ones.

There are many signs that you may have to watch out for. However, early detection increases the chances of recovery. This makes the effort worthwhile.