Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, affecting millions of women and some men each year. It is the most frequently diagnosed cancer globally and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. According to the World Health Organisation, in 2022, about 2.3 million new cases of breast cancer were diagnosed globally, which resulted in approximately 670,000 deaths.In 2025, breast cancer is still a major global health issue, with an estimated 2.3 million new cases expected each year. The number of deaths from the disease is also expected to increase significantly. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) estimates that by 2050, there will be around 3.2 million new cases and 1.1 million deaths annually if current trends continue.Every August 18, World Breast Cancer Research Day highlights important discoveries that help us move closer to ending this disease. This day serves as a global call to support research efforts aimed at understanding, preventing, diagnosing, and treating breast cancer. Although October 13 is often the date that receives the most attention, this day shows how important year-round research, advocacy, and early detection are.This year, the focus is on the lump, often the most well-known and common early sign that prompts a mammogram and a visit to a healthcare professional.While many people think of a lump as the first sign of breast cancer, it is not the only symptom. From small changes in the skin, like rashes or itchiness, to changes in breast size, nipple discharge or inversion, or even persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss, many subtle signs could indicate breast cancer.
And so, the question arises: Can someone have breast cancer without experiencing a lump?
Can you get breast cancer without a lump?
The answer is yes, and it’s more common than you might think.Many people believe a lump is the only sign of breast cancer, but research shows that this is not always the case. Although most people know that a lump can be a warning sign, fewer than half are aware that some cancers can develop without forming a lump. Studies show that most breast cancers do not start with a lump, and when a lump is found, it is often an indication of a rapidly growing or more advanced tumor. For example, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), which is a non-invasive form of breast cancer, is usually detected through regular mammograms and is rarely felt as a lump.Similarly, certain types of breast cancer, such as lobular carcinoma and inflammatory breast cancer, are more likely to be found without a lump rather than with one. A medical review confirms that about 1 in 6 women with breast cancer are diagnosed without a lump and experience other symptoms before seeking medical help.
Beyond the lump: Signs to watch for
So, how do you know when something is wrong enough to make you see a healthcare professional? Here are some symptoms that may not be as obvious as a lump but should not be ignored.Skin changes and texture changes: Look for redness, dimpling, thickening, or dry, scaly patches, which can be signs of Paget’s disease or inflammatory breast cancer.Nipple changes and discharge: Unusual discharge, especially if it’s bloody or comes from just one nipple, along with nipple inversion or retraction, can be early warning signs.Swelling, redness, or unusual warmth: Inflammatory breast cancer can cause rapid swelling, redness, and a warm feeling in the breast, often without a lump, and may not be detected by mammograms.Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits or near the collarbone: Hard nodules under the arm or near the collarbone could indicate that the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.Changes in breast size or shape: A sudden increase in size or a change in symmetry can be a sign of underlying disease, especially in aggressive forms like inflammatory breast cancer.
Why early detection matters
Finding breast cancer early, before it spreads, can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment. Imaging tools like mammograms are among the most effective methods for identifying breast cancer early, often detecting cancers long before they can be felt. According to the American Cancer Society, the survival rate is nearly 99% when breast cancer is diagnosed locally, but this rate drops significantly with delayed detection.
World Breast Cancer Research Day: History and significance
Launched in 2021, World Breast Cancer Research Day was created to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research beyond the well-known Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. It highlights the importance of scientific progress in developing better screening tools, less invasive treatments, and improved survival rates. While awareness is important, this day emphasizes the need for continued research efforts aimed at finding a cure and improving outcomes for those affected by the disease.The date, August 18, is symbolic, as it reflects the statistic that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. The day also aims to empower women with knowledge about breast health and encourage them to take control of their well-being.