Around one in six women diagnosed with breast cancer initally attends their doctor with a symptom other than a lump, a new study has found.

Lumps are the most commonly reported symtpom of breast cancer, but UK researchers decided to look at the frequency of non-lump symptoms, such as breast pain, nipple abnormalities and an inflamed breast.

They assessed the data realting to over 2,300 women diagnosed with breast cancer in England in 2009/10.

The study found that around one in six (17%) women had intially attended their doctor with a symptom other than a lump.

It also found that while most women sought medical help quickly, those with non-lump symptoms were more likely to delay going to the doctor compared to women with a breast lump alone.

According to the findings, those with nipple abnormalities, breast infection, breast inflammation, breast ulceration, a swollen arm or armpit, or pain in the armpit were more likely to wait more than three months before seeking medical help.

The researchers from University College London said that it is 'crucial' that women realise that lumps are not the only symptom of breast cancer.

"If women are worried about any breast symptoms, the best thing to do is to get it checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Diagnosing cancer earlier really is key in order to increase the chances of survival," they commented.

The findings were presented at the 2016 National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Cancer conference in Liverpool. According to NCRI director, Dr Karen Kennedy, these results show that some women are delaying seeking help despite showing symptoms of breast cancer.

"This could be because people are simply unaware that breast cancer can present in many different ways, not just through the presence of a lump. With a disease like breast cancer, it's essential to be diagnosed as early as possible so that a treatment plan can be developed and started.

"Awareness campaigns need to raise awareness of all of the potential symptoms of breast cancer so that people know how to spot the signs and when to go to a doctor," she said.