Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms

Breast cancer research has come a long way in the past few decades. Breast cancer certainly is still a dangerous disease; however, it can be treated and the earlier you detect it, the better your chances for recovery are. Thus, it is important to know the signs of breast cancer so that you can alert your doctor if you notice them.

There are several breast cancer symptoms that may be obvious to you in between doctor's appointments. According to Mayo Clinic, breast cancer signs include: a lump in the breast, thickening of the breast tissue that feels abnormal, flaking or peeling of the nipple skin, bloody discharge that comes from the nipple, pitting or redness of the skin covering the breast, and an inverted nipple. Additionally, May Clinic asserts that changes in the skin over the breast, such as dimpling and changes in the shape or size of the breast are signs of breast cancer. Medicine Net also sites nipple tenderness and scaly, red, and/or swollen skin over the breast as possible breast cancer signs.

In order to notice these changes, you need to be familiar with what your breasts look and feel like normally. Regular breast self-exams will help you see any symptoms of breast cancer you may have. The best time for women to examine their breasts are when they are not swollen or tender.

First, lie down and put your right arm behind your head. The American Cancer Society recommends lying down for this part of the breast self-exam because the breast tissue spreads out over the chest, becoming thin, which makes it easier to feel lumps. Next, use the finger pads of the three middle fingers on your left hand to feel for lumps in the right breast. Use overlapping dime-sized circular movements to feel for lumps with varying levels of pressure. You need light pressure to feel for lumps closest to the skin, medium pressure to feel for lumps a little deeper, and firm pressure to feel for lumps deep within the breast tissue, according to the American Cancer Society. Ensure you use each type of pressure to feel all of the breast tissue.

Next, start at the underarm and run your fingers up and down the breast tissue, moving in vertical lines toward the middle of your chest. Stop when you reach the breastbone (sternum). Make sure you feel all of the breast tissue, going from your collarbone down to your ribs. When you have finished, put your left arm behind your head and repeat the circular movement and then the vertical movements to examine your left breast with your right hand.

To look for changes in your breasts, the American Caner Society recommends standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing down on your hips. Any changes in your breasts will become more apparent by standing in this position.

Finally, feel the tissue in your underarms while sitting or standing up. Raise your arm only slightly so that you can easily feel the tissue.

You should contact your doctor right away if you notice any changes in the look or feel of your breasts, even if you have just had a mammogram or other breast examination by your doctor. Remember that not every change in your breasts will indicate that you have breast cancer.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms of breast cancer listed above or if you notice any changes in your breasts, please alert your doctor. Early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer is the best way to ensure your recovery from it.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic: Breast Cancer: Symptoms:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/breast-cancer/DS00328/DSECTION=symptoms

Medicine Net: Breast Cancer:

http://www.medicinenet.com/breast_cancer/article.htm

American Cancer Society: How to Perform a Breast Self-Exam:

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_How_to_perform_a_breast_self_exam_5.asp?sitearea=