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Symptoms of breast cancer
Calling all women. One in every nine of us will develop breast cancer at some stage in our lives. This is a significant number and it means that we should all be aware of the symptoms of this disease. Only by increasing our awareness will we be able to rest assured that we are doing all we can to minimize the risk to our bodies and our lives in future.
This is particularly true for older women. The risk of breast cancer increases with age.
So, here’s what you need to know. Breast cancer begins in a cell, which divides and multiplies at an uncontrolled rate. A small clump of cancer cells are too tiny to be able to be felt so the earliest stages of breast cancer usually have no symptoms.
This is why annual mammograms are so important once you reach a certain age or if you have breast cancer in the family. A mammogram can detect breast cancer before you can feel a lump.
A small lump found in the breast or armpit is a classic symptom for breast cancer. Every woman should examine her breasts on a regular basis. It is recommended that you self examine on the same day every month so that you become familiar with your breasts’ texture, cyclical changes, size and skin condition.
Early detection is the best way to protect your health and to improve your odds of survival. If you are worried about a lump or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to see your local doctor or nurse for a clinical breast examination.
There are other symptoms too. As well as or instead of swelling or a lump in the breast or armpit, you may have a nipple discharge. This can be clear or bloody. You may develop pain in your nipple. Your nipple might become inverted. The skin on your nipple may become scaly or pitted. Or you might experience persistent tenderness of the breast or pain or discomfort.
If you notice any of these changes in your body, don’t delay. Book an appointment with your doctor or nurse. It’s absolutely vital that you take action quickly.
Metastatic breast cancer, which is cancer that started in the breast and then spread to other parts of the body, has different symptoms. These range from bone pain and shortness of breath to a loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss and headaches.
There is also another type of breast cancer called inflammatory breast cancer. This does not manifest in the form of lumps. It usually appears in the form of a rash. If you suffer from a rash that does not respond to topical creams or antibiotics, take it seriously.
Other symptoms of inflammatory breast cancer include a sudden increase in breast size. Some women have been known to go up as much as a cup size in a few days. The skin of the breast may itch persistently. The color of the breast skin may change, resulting in pink, red or dark colored areas. The breast may also become warmer, harder or firmer than usual. It may be painful to the touch. And finally, some women notice a change in skin texture and even skin ulcers.
Each and every one of these symptoms should be taken totally seriously. Out of the one in nine women who develop breast cancer, one in every 28 of those will not survive the disease.
Early detection is one of the most important factors influencing survival. If you have breast cancer, it is vital that you act quickly.
Be sure to continue with those monthly checks and if ever you discover anything unusual, book an appointment with your doctor or nurse immediately. By taking swift action, you may just save your life.