Early Warning Signs Of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer, as the name clearly shows, develops in the breast. It is considered the most common type of cancer found in women, and even has its own awareness month every year in October. The iconic pink ribbons many wear on their clothes is dedicated to breast cancer research and awareness! There are quite a few risk factors linked to the development of breast cancer. The first one is a family history of the condition, as women often pass down the breast cancer genes. Obesity, age, and lack of exercise also contribute to a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer.
Thankfully, breast cancer is a treatable form of cancer! Many women choose breast cancer surgery, usually referred to as a lumpectomy or mastectomy, to help. As will other cancers, chemo and partial breast radiation also help treat this condition. There are even metastatic breast cancer medications! Of course, treatment is benefitted by detecting breast cancer early.
Lump On The Breast
The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump on or around the breast. Since it is the most common, it is also the one women look out for the most! Lumps that indicate breast cancer are typically painless and hard. In general, irregular edges on these lumps means they are cancerous. However, even soft and tender lumps without irregular edges can be indicative of breast cancer! This is precisely why women who notice a new lump on or around their breast should have their doctor check it out immediately. No harm can come out of getting it checked. It’s better to be safe after all!
Changes To The Shape Of The Nipple
Changes to the shape of the nipple can also mean a woman has breast cancer. One such change is an inverted nipple. This means the nipple has suddenly started to turn inward rather than point outward. This is abnormal because nipples are meant to point outward! The whole nipple tends to turn inward when breast cancer is the cause. This inversion typically affects only one breast and not both of them. Irregularly shaped nipples can also indicate breast cancer. This is why women should familiarize themselves with their breasts so they can quickly detect changes a doctor will need to examine.
Unexplained Rash On The Breast
A new and unexplained rash on the breast is a key and early sign of inflammatory breast cancer. Itchiness and swelling also accompany rashes on the breast. This is harder to spot, since many women assume their skin is irritated due to a product they’re using or their clothing. However, if skin ointments or creams do not produce results, rashes on the breast are major signs of inflammatory breast cancer.
Thus, to be on the safe side, doctors should know about any new rashes or itchiness in this area so they can advise women accurately. Women should also be on the lookout for swelling under their arms and around their collarbone. Redness and tenderness also appear often alongside a rash on the breast.
Unusual And Persistent Breast Pain
The breasts hurt for several reasons, including changes in hormones, pregnancy, breastfeeding, stress, medications, and even a physical blow to the breast! However, women should be aware persistent and unusual breast pain are both early warning signs of breast cancer. It is not a common symptom, which is why many dismiss it as something else.
Breast pain due to breast cancer happens because of inflammation and the affected cells compromising lymph nodes. Although lumps in or on the breast are usually painless, they are still able to cause pain. Thus breast pain accompanied by any of the other symptoms on this list deserves a visit to the doctor as soon as possible. A mammogram is quite revealing!
Skin Puckering Or Thickening
Changes in the skin surrounding the breasts are also considered early warning signs of breast cancer. Specifically, women must look out for puckering or thickening skin. Thickened skin will feel similar to orange or lemon peels. Thickened skin is often the result of mastitis, yes, but is still connected to breast cancer. This is especially the case when it’s accompanied by other symptoms on this list and if antibiotics don’t provide positive changes.
Puckering skin on the breast is a sign of a tumor in the area. This occurs because the affected cells compromise and block the lymph channels. This triggers a fluid build-up! Puckered skin on the breast due to breast cancer usually appears alongside serious swelling, redness, and itchy skin.