Hearing the words "you have breast cancer" is a frightening ordeal for anyone but having breast cancer is no longer the death sentence it used to be. With advances in treatment and cancer detection survival rates are constantly increasing. The very best chance of long term survival is provided by early detection and this makes recognizing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer key.
Common signs and symptoms of breast cancer
The most common sign of breast cancer is finding a lump or noticing thickening of the breast. Breast lumps can often be fatty tissue or harmless cysts so don't assume that because you have a lump you automatically have cancer. However, 80% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed following the discovery of a lump and this is often the first sign that women notice so it is wise to seek a professional medical opinion at this point.
Women know that they may experience changes in their breasts at times during their monthly cycle. Some women may feel pain or tenderness during menstruation or ovulation. It is important to be breast aware and to be familiar with the changes in your own breasts. This will make it much easier to spot unusual or differing changes within the breasts.
Be particularly aware of:
· Changes in the shape, size or contour of the breast
· Any discharge from the nipple, clear or bloody
· Indentation or retraction of the nipple
· Flattening of the breast or indentations in the skin around the breast
· Discolouration (redness or pinkness) of the skin over the breast or pitting of the skin (similar to the skin of an orange)
Knowing the warning signs can aid in early detection of breast cancer
Although the above occurrences can be a warning sign of breast cancer they can also indicate that you could be suffering from something such as mastitis or fibrodenoma so try not to panic if you find any of these symptoms. Make a prompt appointment with your GP who will make an informed diagnosis and send you for additional testing, such as a mammogram, if necessary.
If you have a family history of breast cancer then it is especially important to remain vigilant for the signs and symptoms of early breast cancer as your chances of developing the disease are increased.
Although most cases of breast cancer are found in women over 40 there are occasional cases in women of all ages and even occasionally men. It is a good idea to become familiar with your breasts and start checking for lumps from puberty. Remember though, that during your life you may find a number of lumps, most of which will be completely harmless.
Please remember that this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used in place of professional medical care. If you suspect that you may have breast cancer or are displaying any of the signs or symptoms discussed above then make an appointment to see your GP and discuss your symptoms further.