Because of the regular use of mammography screening, many of the breast cancers in the U.S. are found at an early stage, just before warning signs appear. But, not all breast cancers are found through mammography.
Warning signs
Warning signs of breast cancer are actually not the same for all women.
Most oft he common signs are:
- Difference in the look or feel of the breast
- Difference in the look or feel of the nipple
- Nipple discharge
In case you have some of the warning signs described below, meet a health care provider. In case you do not have a provider, the best ways to find a good one is to get a referral from a trusted family member or friend. In case that is not an option, consult your health department, some clinic or a nearby hospital. If you are insured, the insurance company can as well have a list of providers in your area.
In most oft he cases, these kind of changes are not cancer. One of the examples is breast pain. It is actually more common with benign breast conditions than that with breast cancer, but there is the only way to know for sure is to get it checked. If this kind of change does turn out to be breast cancer, the best way is to find it at an early stage, just when the chances of survival are highest.
Breast lumps or lumpiness
Many females might find their breasts feel lumpy. The tissue of the breast naturally has a bumpy texture. Some of us women have some more lumpiness in their breasts than the others. In most oft he cases, this is not a cause to be worried. In case the lumpiness is able to be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, then it is actually most likely a normal breast tissue.
Some oft he lumps that feel harder or are different from the rest of the breast (or the other breast) or that are feeling like a change should be checked. This kind of lump might be a sign of breast cancer , or some benign breast condition (such as a cyst or fibroadenoma).
Meet a health care provider in case you:
- Find some new lump (or any other change) that feels different from the rest of your breast
- Find a new lump (or any other change) that is feeling different from your other breast
- Feel something that is quite different from what you felt before
If you have already had a benign lump in the past, do not immediately assume a new lump will also be a benign one. The new lump can not be breast cancer, but it’s best to make sure if that is so.
Nipple discharge
Leaking some liquid from your nipple (nipple discharge) might be troubling, but it is not so often a sign of breast cancer. The discharge from the lump might be your body’s natural reaction when the nipple is squeezed. Signs of some more serious condition (as for example as breast cancer) include discharge that:
- Happens without squeezing the nipple
- Happens in only 1 breast
- Is kind of bloody or clear (not milky)
Discharge from the nipple may also be caused by an infection or other condition that needs treatment. If you are having any nipple discharge, consult a health care provider.
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