Breast Cancer Warning Signs

Catching breast cancer, or any type of cancer, as soon as it starts is very important to recovery. That is why men and women need to know the warning signs and risk factors that are associated with breast cancer. Make sure that even though you are watching your breasts for anything unusual that you still go to the doctor for an examination. Checking yourself is important but follow-up with a doctor's care and you have better chances of catching the disease early.

Here are 6 warning signs of breast cancer:

1 - Lump or thickening of the breast. This can include under the armpit - anywhere there is breast tissue.

2 - Look for changes in your skin on both breasts. This can include the color, shape, and texture of your breast.

3 - Dimpling or puckering of the breast.

4 - The breast nipples become inverted or pushed in.

5 - Be aware of any discharge that is not breast milk.

6 - Breast pain that is localized and not part of the regular hormonal cycle.

Knowing your risk factors is just as important as watching for warning signs. Most women show no risk factors for breast cancer besides age and gender. The American Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.org/) states that estrogen is a factor in breast cancer risk. Let's look at other risk factors that some men and women need to be aware of.

• Estrogen related factors; starting your period before age 12, pregnancy after age 30, no pregnancy, and late menopause.
• Family history of breast cancer. Including women diagnosed before menopause.
• Breast biopsy that shows atypical cells or benign cells.
• Overweight.
• Alcohol usage.
• To much fat in your diet.
• Genetic testing shows the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene.
• The individual has had high-dosage radiation to breast tissue.

If you have a close family member (such as mother or sister) that was diagnosed with breast cancer start your doctor screenings 10 years before the age of diagnoses. For example if your grandmother was diagnosed at age 25 then your mother will want to start yearly breast screenings at age 15. This is normally to early for a doctor to start yearly breast exams unless there is a family history of cancer. So talk to your doctor about your family history. Do not be caught off guard by a disease that has a high cure rate.