Know the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer

Since age 40, I had gotten a yearly mammogram. To me, it was just one more sign that my youth was falling far behind me. I really didn't spend a lot of time thinking about the reason behind the test; it was just one more unpleasant chore on the health care list, along with tetanus boosters, dental cleanings and cholesterol screenings.

So I was expecting a little green card to arrive in the mail, informing me that the test results were fine.

What I received was an important looking envelope from the clinic. Inside was a letter, informing me that it would be advisable to schedule a follow-up visit at the local hospital's radiology department.

I was stunned. I immediately called to make an appointment, and luckily, there was an opening the following day.

The nurses and other personnel were all very reassuring, but I was secretly convinced that they were just being nice because they knew something I didn't. They took several different x-rays, parked me in a cubicle for 20 minutes, and then sent in a technician to talk with me.

I was one of the lucky ones. I had breast calcifications, which are calcium deposits in the breast. They show up as white spots on a mammogram, are very common, and usually benign, although in a few cases they can be a very early sign of breast cancer. For now, I would just need regular mammograms, and perhaps an extra set of x-rays each year to monitor things. I would also have to spend some time learning the other symptoms of breast cancer, and be far more diligent in doing breast self-exams.

The following is a list of warning signs/symptoms of breast cancer. These symptoms can also occur with various benign conditions, which I will cover later; the most important thing, however, is to see your health care provider immediately if you detect any of these early warning signs.

A lump or thickening near the breast or underarm area. These can be as small as a pea or pencil eraser.

Any change in the nipple. This can include unusual discharge, swelling, pain, itching, or the nipple itself turning inward (inverting).

Any overall change in the size and shape of the breast.

Changes in the skin of the breast and/or nipple. This can include redness, swelling, or scaliness. The breast surface may appear ridged, or have pitting, like an orange peel.

Sudden, prominent veins that appear at the surface of the breast.

Bruising that doesn't go away.

Breast tenderness that outlasts the menstrual cycle.

Any appearance of an area of the breast that is distinctly different from any other area.

Again, some of these symptoms accompany benign conditions as well. Some women's breasts are naturally dense or lumpy. Cysts (fluid filled sacs) can arise for seemingly no reason. There are painless, firm lumps called fibroadenomas, and enlarged lymph nodes. The very best thing you can do is to get anything unusual checked out immediately.

One more thing; although rare, men get breast cancer too. In fact, around one man gets breast cancer for every one hundred or so cases in women. Because it's so rare, and because it gets very little attention, it can be even more of a threat in men. It's important to let the man in your life know what to look for as well.

The best thing you can do for yourself is to commit to a self breast exam on a monthly basis. Chances are, if there's a change, you'll be the first to notice; and early detection is a major weapon in the arsenal against breast cancer.