In this video, Dr Santhosh Kumar Devadas, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru, debunks the myth that a lump is the only sign of breast cancer.

While lumps are indeed the most common symptom, they are not the only sign of breast cancer. Dr Devadas explains that breast cancer can manifest in various ways.

Apart from lumps, changes in skin texture, nipple appearance, and secretion (either bloody or white) are significant indicators.

Pain or a feeling of fullness in the breast can also be symptoms, and sometimes, a lump may not be present at all—only a lump in the armpit may be noticed.

Dr Devadas further emphasizes that breast cancer isn’t just a women’s disease—men can also develop breast cancer, though it is rare.

Early-stage breast cancer may present with these localized symptoms, but as the disease advances, it may spread to other organs, causing additional symptoms like back pain, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, or jaundice.

Understanding these diverse symptoms is essential for early detection and treatment. Stay vigilant and consult a doctor if you notice any unusual changes in your body.

Dr Santhosh Kumar Devadas
Dr Santhosh Kumar Devadas

Dr Santhosh Kumar Devadas (MBBS, MD(Internal Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology),ECMO) is a Consultant Medical Oncologist at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, Bengaluru. He has over 11 years of experience in the field of Medical Oncology and Bone marrow transplantation. His clinical expertise includes blood cancers and stem cell transplantation. His other areas of interest include breast cancer and gynaecological cancer. He has a keen interest in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. He heads the Center of Hematology and Bone marrow transplant (CHBMT) at Ramaiah Hospitals and has been instrumental in driving the center towards excellence in outcomes and quality. His research interests include multiple myeloma, qualitative research, implementation research and hereditary cancers.