Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women, but it can often go unnoticed for a long time. It is on the rise, especially among women in their 30s. Research suggests that breast cancer rates could double among young women by 2050, making it more common than skin cancer. Despite these facts, many women don’t take action after experiencing breast cancer symptoms and miss out on early detection and treatment for breast cancer. Fortunately, some warning signs can indicate the presence of breast cancer.
Though there is no guaranteed method to detect breast cancer, doctors have discovered ways to be able to detect it early. Self-examination of breast is very important to check for any abnormalities. Women who experience any of the following issues should immediately consult a doctor for further investigation:
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Changes in the Size and Shape of the Breast
Changes in the size and shape of your breast can be a warning sign! One side of your breast can start to look different from the other side; it could have a different size, shape, or weight. While these aren’t always signs of cancer, it’s important to be aware of them. Make an appointment to see your doctor. Thankfully, you can start to take preventative measures to make sure you stay healthy.
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Redness or Thickening of the Breast
One of the most noticeable symptoms of breast cancer is a swollen, irregular breast with redness.
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Nipple Retraction or Inverted Nipples
While inverted nipples are a norm, they can be a sign of breast cancer. You should not take it lightly. If you feel that your inverted nipple is not the way it should be, immediately seek medical attention. If you have any nipple retraction and you have a family history of breast cancer or you are past menopause, you should be extra careful.
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Breast Sores
While it may seem strange, breast sores are indeed signs of breast cancer. These sores can take different forms and don’t necessarily look like a typical sore that you would expect to find on the body. If you notice a sore that has any of the following tendencies, seek immediate medical attention:
- It seems to be growing or moving.
- It is painful or irritated.
- It has an irregular shape.
- It doesn’t heal after several weeks.
- It has a strange texture or colour.
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A Lump or Thickening in the Armpit
A breast lump is a common symptom of breast cancer. A lump can feel like a small, hard, rounded area that is of a different size from the rest of the breast tissue. The breast lump can also feel different from the rest of your breast. It is also important to observe if the breast lump is accompanied by any other symptoms, such as a change in the size or shape of the breast.
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Pain in the Armpit or Breast
If you experience pain in the armpit or breast, it may be a symptom of breast cancer. Studies have shown that women who do not have a family history of the disease are more likely to experience this pain due to increased breast tissue and sometimes cancerous lumps. The chances of breast cancer are higher in those who are over 50, but pain can still occur at any age. If pain continues for over 3 months, you should see a doctor.
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Irritation or Dimpling of the Skin
Another concern is dimpling and irritation on the skin of the breast. There is a misconception that this means there could be cancer in the breast, but this is not the case. However, if this occurs, it’s a good idea to get it checked by a doctor.
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Nipple Discharge
Most people never think that something as simple as a thick or cloudy liquid coming from their nipples could be a sign of breast cancer. However, this is a kind of a lump that must be examined and evaluated by a doctor. The chances of this happening are greater if a woman is older, but men can also be affected. If you’re experiencing nipple discharge, you should schedule an examination with your doctor. The doctor will determine if the discharge is due to infection or possibly cancer.
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Rashes on the Skin
Rashes on the skin are not always a sign of cancer, but they can be. Many rashes are caused by benign skin conditions like eczema. However, rashes that are accompanied by other symptoms, like a persistent breast lump, unexplained weight loss, or trouble breathing, could indicate cancer or other serious diseases. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away! Having a mammogram and a range of other tests and examinations can help doctors rule out cancer and discover what’s causing the rash.
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Skin Thickening or Dimpling in the Underarm Area
– Skin thickening or dimpling in the underarm area are signs of breast cancer. A woman’s breast normally gets larger and smaller (swells and shrinks) during her monthly menstrual cycle. However, any noticeable changes in size, shape, firmness, or symmetry may be a sign of breast cancer. The skin can be thicker or dimpled if you have breast cancer. An area of thickened skin may be due to cancer cells that are making the cells of the skin grow more than usual.
Understand the early warning signs of breast cancer so that you can get the right help and treatment for breast cancer. The sooner you can get help, the better are your chances of recovering breast cancer.
