Breast Cancer Warning Signs

You need to know all of the breast cancer warning signs. Early signs of breast cancer do not cause breast cancer pain. Knowing the warning signs of breast cancer can save your life. You will read about them right here.

Where Is Breast Cancer?

Each breast is made up of about 15 lobes (sections) that contain tiny lobules made up of glands. These milk producing glands and ducts are the two most likely places for cancerous cells to develop.

Breast cancer could start in the fat tissue, but that is very rare. It could also occur in the lymph nodes near the breasts and under the arms. A breast cancer lump is the classic symptom of breast cancer.

The Warning Signs

The following list contains the recognized breast cancer warning signs.

1. A visible lump in the breast or lump that can be felt. It is paramount to tell your doctor as soon as possible. This is true even if your last mammogram was normal. This is because mammograms do not detect all cancers.
2. Changes in the skin color or texture of your breast. Redness or ridging are important findings to discuss with your doctor.
Dimpling of the skin of your breast. Sometimes you will notice this when you lift your arm up and down. Look at your breasts in a mirror as you raise and lower your arm. Tell your doctor if you observe this dimpling.
3. Changes in the look of your nipple. This could be a retraction or inversion of the nipples. A cancer growing behind the nipple could cause the pulling in of the nipple.
4. Discharge from the nipples. This could be bloody, clear, greenish or milky. If the discharge is not clear, your doctor may want to test it. A pathologist will examine it under a microscope.
5. Swelling of the lymph nodes in your armpit. Any swelling of your breast or under your armpit should be checked out by your doctor.

If you notice any of these warning signs, please make an appointment to see your doctor. Do not let the time lapse. The sooner you see her, the better for you.

Risk Factors

“A risk factor is anything that makes it more likely you’ll get a particular disease.” [www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/] Please remember most women with breast cancer have no known risk factors.

• Gender – women are much more likely than men to develop breast cancer.
• Age – women over 60 have a greater risk.
• Personal History – if you have had cancer in one breast, you are at risk of having it in the other breast.
• Family history – if your mother, sister, or daughter has breast cancer, you have a greater risk.
• Inherited genes – certain gene mutations, especially BRCA1 and BRCA2, greatly increase your risk.
• Radiation exposure – if you received x-rays to your chest as a child or young adult, you are more likely to develop the cancer.
• Obesity – if you are overweight your risk increases.
• Beginning your period at a younger age – before 12, increases your risk.
• Beginning menopause at an older age – after 55, increases your risk.
• Having your fist child after age 35 may increase your risk.
• Postmenopausal hormone therapy increases your risk.

If you are at risk for breast cancer, you should pay close attention to the warning signs.

http://www.getwellsite.com/breastcancerbooks.aspx

Breast Self-Exams

Regular breast self-exams are important. According to the American Cancer Society lie down and put your right arm under your head. Lying down allows the breast tissue to spread out over the chest becoming thin.

Then, use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-size circles to feel for lumps. Use varying amounts for pressure - light, medium and firm - to feel for lumps that may be closest to the skin, or a little deeper.

Repeat the procedure for your left breast by using your right hand with your left arm under your head. If you find a breast cancer lump or any other change, even if a recent mammogram was normal, make an appointment to see your doctor.

It is necessary that you do this self-exam every month, so you will notice changes early. Early detection is best for curing your breast cancer.

Conclusion

You have just learned about the breast cancer warning signs and risk factors. Please pay attention to your breasts, examine them monthly and get a mammogram if you are over 40.

If you have any breast cancer questions, please send them our way. We are always happy to hear from our readers.

http://getwellsite.com/breastcancerbooks.aspx

Written by: Margaret Stenerson
July 29, 2010