7 Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer is one of the most common type of cancer in women, with more than 2 million new cases of this condition being diagnosed in the previous year alone. Like with other types of cancer, diagnosing breast cancer early can actually enable a more successful treatment, which greatly boosts survival rates. To diagnose breast cancer in its beginning stages, it is essential to understand the symptoms of breast cancer to look out for, as well as the process of conducting a physical check on yourself. How to conduct a physical check for Breast Cancer?rnThere’s no set technique to checking your breasts, as each woman’s breasts are different from others. The key is to familiarize yourself with how your breasts normally look and feel. That way, spotting any issues that seem unusual is much easier. When examining your breasts, here are some warning signs to look out for. Lumps in the breastrnLumps may not always be seen, but can typically be felt when touching your breasts. One of the common methods is to look for a lump or swelling in the upper chest, armpit, and breasts. Changes in the skin texturernLook for a change in the texture of the skin. You might notice a dimpling or puckering of skin under the breast, which might indicate an issue. Change in the size and shape of breastsrnThis is quite tricky, as the size and shape of breasts can sometimes fluctuate with changes in weight or hormonal issues. Hence, look for something out of the ordinary. One breast which is noticeably larger than the other, or hanging lower than the other is a good point to start off on. Discharge from the nipplesrnAny unusual discharge from the nipples, such as blood, white discharge, etc. (especially if you aren’t breastfeeding) is a cause for further investigation. While this does not always indicate breast cancer, it could indicate an issue that requires medical intervention. Changes in the nipples, rash or crustingrnAny rashes or crusting in and around the nipples, or changes, such as the nipples inverting, rather than pointing out, could indicate an issue. Pain in the breastrnGeneral, out of the normal pain in one of both of the breast, especially when they are fully developed, is a symptom of breast cancer. Changes in the feel of the breastrnThe breast may suddenly feel heavier than normal or be unusually hard, warm, or tender. This can only be noticed if you are familiar with how your breast normally feels. With Breast Cancer becoming a serious risk among women, it is essential to familiarize yourself with your breast and conduct regular checks in order to detect any symptoms of Breast Cancer that may be present. Of course, if you do notice any symptoms, there’s no need to panic, as a doctor’s expertise is required to diagnose Breast Cancer accurately.