Breast cancer affects approximately one in eight women in their lifetime. But today, breast cancer is becoming more and more treatable — especially when it’s caught early. Show
“There are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for,” says Mona Duncan, MD, general surgeon at Geisinger. “That’s why it’s so important to go for your regular checkups and mammograms, and to perform monthly breast self-exams at home.” Learn how to perform a breast self-exam. Early signs of breast cancerWhile performing breast self-exams, keep an eye out for these early warning signs of breast cancer. If you notice any of these signs (or any abnormal changes), make an appointment with your doctor right away. 1. Visible changes in the nipple or skinAfter puberty, your nipples remain fairly consistent in shape, size and color. Generally, there shouldn’t be any sudden changes with your nipples or skin. But if there are any visible changes, such as a red, itchy or scaly rash; inversion or sucking-in of the nipple; dimpling, puckering or other changes in the skin on or around the nipple, you should see your doctor. “As breast cancer progresses, it grows and pushes other things out of the way,” Dr. Duncan says. “This can cause changes in the breast, skin and nipple as the breast’s internal structure changes.” 2. SwellingEspecially during menstruation, your breasts may become tender or swell. This is completely normal. However, if you notice that the tenderness and swelling is abnormal, discolored or lasts longer than a week, let your doctor know. “If you have persistent swelling in your breasts, it’s a good idea to go see your doctor,” says Dr. Duncan. “Swelling is your body’s version of an alarm, telling you that something is going wrong. In this case, the breast cancer could be irritating or blocking normal breast function, so it would cause it to swell. Lumps by themselves are usually not painful, but they can sometimes cause swelling that is.” 3. Nipple dischargeDischarge from the nipple, while not always a cause for immediate concern, should be monitored and evaluated by a doctor, especially if it’s a new symptom for you. Is the discharge bloody, clear or milky? Does it happen even without the nipple being squeezed? Is it only coming from one breast? “Discharge can be caused by a few different things, and it isn’t an extremely common symptom of breast cancer,” says Dr. Duncan. “But it’s still a good idea to get it checked out by your doctor.” What to do if you spot a possible sign of breast cancerDon’t panic. If you notice a change in your breast, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. “Some of these changes may be a result of benign, or non-cancerous, breast conditions,” explains Dr. Duncan. Still, if you notice any change at all, especially one occurring in only one breast, it’s a good idea to contact your doctor to get treatment started right away, if necessary. The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. Most breast lumps are not cancerous, but it's always best to have them checked by a doctor. You should see a GP if you notice any of the following:
Breast pain is not usually a symptom of breast cancer. Information: Want to know more?
Breast awarenessIt's important to be breast aware so you notice any changes as soon as possible. Get to know what is normal for you – for instance, your breasts may look or feel different at different times of your life. This will make it easier to notice potential problems. Knowing how your breasts normally look and feel is an important part of your breast health. Although having regular screening tests for breast cancer is important, mammograms do not find every breast cancer. This means it's also important for you to know what your breasts normally look and feel like, so you’ll be aware of any changes in your breasts. The most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass (although most breast lumps are not cancer). A painless, hard mass that has irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, but breast cancers can be also soft, round, tender, or even painful. Other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions. Still, it’s important to have any new breast mass, lump, or other change checked by an experienced health care professional so the cause can be found and treated, if needed. Remember that knowing what to look for does not take the place of having regular screening for breast cancer. Screening mammography can often help find breast cancer early, before any symptoms appear. Finding breast cancer early gives you a better chance of successful treatment. What are the 5 warning signs of breast cancer?Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms. Swelling of all or part of a breast (even if no lump is felt). Skin dimpling (sometimes looking like an orange peel). Breast or nipple pain.. Nipple retraction (turning inward). Nipple or breast skin that is red, dry, flaking, or thickened.. Nipple discharge (other than breast milk). Does Stage 1 breast cancer have symptoms?Breast cancer symptoms at stage 1 may include: Nipple discharge. Dimpling of the skin. Swelling or redness of the breast.
What does the pain feel like when you have breast cancer?If a lump is present, it is not painful. Although breast cancer is often painless, it is important not to ignore any signs or symptoms that could be due to breast cancer. Some people may describe the pain as a burning and tender sensation.
What does breast cancer stage 1 look like?If you are diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer, this means that the tumour is less than 2 centimetres in size. No cancer cells have been found in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body at this stage.
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What is usually the first sign of breast cancer
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