If you think you may be at risk of breast cancer, it’s important to regularly check your breasts for any changes or symptoms.
Among other symptoms, one symptom that may be a sign of breast cancer is discharge from the nipple. If you notice any unusual discharge, contact your doctor immediately.
Here are the different types of breast discharge to look out for and what they may mean.
Milky white discharge
If your nipple discharge has the look and consistency of milk, it is unlikely to be cancerous and is often caused by galactorrhea. This can happen due to hormonal changes, medication side effects, thyroid issues or nipple stimulation. While it is most common in women, it can also affect men and children.
One of the most important things to contextualize this experience is if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are, and the milky substance appears from both breasts, it is likely to be associated with hormonal changes and is likely not a sign of cancer.
This type of discharge is more of a concern if it is:
- Happening only in one breast
- Spontaneous (happens without squeezing)
- Associated with a lump, skin changes or nipple inversion
Learn more about breast cancer signs and symptoms
Bloody or watery discharge
If discharge comes from only one breast or is bloody, watery or clear, or happens outside of pregnancy or breastfeeding, this may be cause for concern. If you experience watery or bloody discharge, try to press firmly on the surrounding breast tissue to see if there are any lumps or changes to the breast.
These signs are not typical and may be a sign of something serious. It is important to note that there are non-cancerous causes of bloody discharge, such as a condition known as an intraductal papilloma, which is a benign growth inside a milk duct.
Abnormal occurrences of breast discharge may be a sign of breast cancer, but this is rare. Abnormal discharge may signal a problem with the breast and deserves clinical exploration.
If you experience any abnormal breast discharge and would like to be examined, speak to your doctor about your symptoms. A thorough breast cancer screening can definitively diagnose or rule out breast cancer. Even if there is something non-cancerous occurring in your breast that is of concern, your doctor will be able to advise you on next steps.
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