Menopause occurs in one’s 40s and 50s and comes with its own set of symptoms. It also increases the risk of health issues like heart disease, osteoporosis, weight gain, and breast cancer. Menopausal women should opt for regular screenings and checkups to facilitate early diagnosis and timely treatment of severe conditions like breast cancer, which can otherwise spread. Here are a few symptoms of breast cancer that menopausal women should keep an eye out for:

1. Breast pain
Fluctuating levels of estrogen can affect the tissues in the breast and lead to pain and discomfort. It may even cause the breasts to become sore, tender, and sensitive to touch. However, breast pain is also a symptom of breast cancer, which can be easily misunderstood as a symptom of menopause. So, doctors recommend regular screenings so that cancer can be detected at an early stage.

2. Hot flashes and night sweats
This is the most common symptom of menopause, but breast cancer patients and survivors also experience these signs. Hot flashes are described as sudden warm feelings over the face, chest, and neck that cause profuse sweating. This is a way of the body lowering its temperature by releasing excess body heat through the skin. Hot flashes may come and go for some patients, but it’s advisable to see a doctor immediately if the symptom persists.

3. Lump in breast
During menopause, it’s common for women to develop cysts that are painless, firm or soft, or feel like they are filled with fluid. That said, a breast lump requires medical attention to determine whether it is cancerous. These lumps can also develop in the underarm region, and this is an early symptom of breast cancer.

4. Reddish skin
Discoloration of the skin is one of the common symptoms of breast cancer, even in menopausal women. The skin can appear red, purple, or blue as though the spot has been bruised. While inflammation and redness of the skin around the breasts is a common symptom of menopause, it can also indicate breast cancer. It’s important to consult a doctor to rule out any chances of breast cancer.

5. Changes in skin texture
A texture change in the skin on or around the breast is one of the key signs of breast cancer. The skin can either thicken or become dry, rough, and scaly. There’s a significant difference in the texture of the skin, and it’s important to consult a healthcare specialist if this is noticed. The inflammation of skin cells is what causes visible textural changes in the skin, and it may also be accompanied by itching, which is often associated with breast cancer.

6. Nipple discharge
Women may get a yellow, milky nipple discharge during menopause, or it could be clear and watery. Some women may also get a bloody discharge. While this can occur in menopausal women, it is also an alarming symptom of breast cancer. Abnormal nipple discharge is a cue to see a doctor at the earliest.