1. Lump. Although most lumps found in breasts are not cancerous, this is the most common sign of breast cancer for both men and women. A lump or thickening in the breast is a clear indication that you should get a physical exam to make sure everything is ok. Often times the lump is painless, but it may be tender or sore from time to time.
2. Discharge from the nipple. You may experience a spontaneous clear or bloody discharge from your nipple. This is often times associated with a breast lump.
3. Change in size of your breast. It can be difficult to notice a slight change in the size or contour of your breast, but this is a clear breast cancer sign to pay attention to.
4. Indentation of your nipple. If you notice a retraction or indentation of your nipple, this is not something that typically occurs.
5. Indentation of skin over the breast. In addition to indentation of your nipple, you also want to keep an eye on the skin that is around the breast. A symptom of breast cancer is if you notice an indentation or flattening of the skin over your breast.
6. Redness of skin over the breast. The last sign you want to pay close attention to is any redness or pitting of the skin over the breast.
Breast Cancer in Women - Know the Facts
Breast cancer should be a major concern for all women today since it is the single most common type of cancer in women. There is about a 15% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 90 if you are a woman and have a full, healthy lifestyle. You can lower this risk by having a breast cancer test frequently.
Have a Basic Mammogram Regularly. You may feel like a mammogram is too unpleasant, but terminal cancer is without a doubt worse than the test. Please make the breast cancer test part of your annual check-up.
Self-Examination for Breast Cancer. Most breast cancer occurs in women over 40, but there are several cases found in young teen girls each year. Cancer does not have a certain age or time when it occurs.
Breast Cancer Risks. Your chances of developing breast cancer are slightly higher if there is a history of such cancer in your family. Most people do not realize that there is a 1% occurrence of breast cancer in men. Keep up with your self-examination and your regular mammogram since your chances of survival are much greater if the cancer is found early.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). Also, remember that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM) and is observed all over the world thanks to National Breast Cancer Foundation. Breast cancer month has been extremely successful in making more women aware of the signs of breast cancer. Be a true friend or family member and help educate your loved ones about breast cancer and early detection.