Red Discharge : Is it Normal or Can It Be A Sign Of Breast Cancer?

Many women wonder why they have nipple discharge even if they are not pressing or touching it. Is it really a sign of breast cancer or is it normal?

Nipple discharge is commonly seen in pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers. It is a liquid that comes out from single or both nipples.

Nipple discharge can be of different colors ranging from clear, green, yellow, pink and sometimes red.

These discharges may occur due hormonal changes during pregnancy or breastfeeding and menstruation.

It is completely normal if yellow, green or white discharge comes out from both nipples, only on squeezing or pressing.

But, the discharge may indicate some issues in the breast if :

1. If it is clear or reddish or brown in color.

2. It is associated with breast lumps and pain.

3. It comes out from just one nipple without squeezing or pressing.

Still, it doesn't clearly indicate breast cancer, because nipple discharge is rarely a sign of breast cancer.

Source:-
Barry M. Nipple Discharge. In: Walker HK, Hall WD, Hurst JW, editors. Clinical Methods: The History, Physical, and Laboratory Examinations. 3rd edition. Boston: Butterworths; 1990. Chapter 175. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK284/