# Nipple discharge: causes and when to see a doctor

_Nipple discharge: what it can be linked to, how urgent it is and what to do next. Kenya guidance from My Wellness Health._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/nipple-discharge

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> Discharge is often harmless, especially from both nipples or when squeezed. Bloody discharge, or discharge from one nipple without squeezing, can be linked to breast conditions including cancer. Get checked promptly if the discharge is bloody, from one side, or comes on its own.

**Nipple discharge: what to do**

| How urgent | What a clinician will check | How we help | Fee |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Get checked promptly if the discharge is bloody, from one side, or comes on its own. | A clinical breast exam, and imaging if needed. | Cancer risk assessment | Cancer risk assessments, KES 300 |

## Nipple discharge: common questions

**Q: What can cause nipple discharge?**

A: Discharge is often harmless, especially from both nipples or when squeezed. Bloody discharge, or discharge from one nipple without squeezing, can be linked to breast conditions including cancer.

**Q: When should I see a doctor?**

A: Get checked promptly if the discharge is bloody, from one side, or comes on its own.

**Q: What will the doctor check?**

A: A clinical breast exam, and imaging if needed.

**Q: Does nipple discharge mean I have cancer?**

A: Usually not, but it is worth getting checked so a clinician can find the cause. Only an examination and tests can tell.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's cancer risk assessment (Cancer risk assessments, KES 300) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [World Health Organization, Breast cancer fact sheet](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/breast-cancer)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, National Cancer Screening and Early Diagnosis Guidelines](https://www.iccp-portal.org/resources/national-cancer-screening-and-early-diagnosis-guidelines)

## Related symptoms

- [Breast lump with no pain: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/breast-lump-with-no-pain)
- [Breast pain: causes and when to worry | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/breast-pain)
- [Dimpled or orange-peel breast skin: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/dimpled-or-orange-peel-breast-skin)
- [Inverted nipple: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/inverted-nipple)
- [Lump in the breast: causes and when to worry](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/symptoms/lump-in-the-breast)