What are the symptoms of breast cancer in women?

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is the name given to any cancers that have first developed in the breast tissue – there are many different types.

However, thanks to advances in medical research and early prevention, more people are surviving breast cancer than ever before.

What are the breast cancer symptoms in women?

For most women, the first sign or symptom of breast cancer is a lump or area of thickened tissue in their breast.

While 90 per cent of such lumps are not cancerous, it is vital to get them checked by your GP at the earliest opportunity – detecting the disease early can mean treatment is more effective.

It is therefore vitally important to be “breast aware” – know what feels normal for you, and therefore what changes to look out for.

One in three women do not regularly check their breasts, and a fifth of these women say it is because they don’t know how to do it.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual, worldwide campaign. There are events held across the world to “highlight the importance of breast awareness, education and research.”

However, while the majority of women know to feel for unusual lumps and bumps, there are also other, less understood signs and symptoms.

Here are the seven signs and symptoms you might not realize mean you could have breast cancer:

1. Change in breast size or shape

Breasts come in all shapes and sizes – and can look and feel different throughout a woman’s life.

Carolyn Rogers, senior clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, told The Sun Online: “They may change at the time of your period, when going through pregnancy as your body ages.

“By checking your breasts regularly, you’ll get to know whether a change in size or shape is part of what’s normal for you, or if it’s something unusual that’s worth getting checked out by your doctor.”

2. Redness or a rash

It is important to look out for signs of reddening or a rash, on the skin and around the nipple.

A rash in this area could just be triggered by new washing powder, or a lacy bra irritating the skin.

“But, if it’s an ongoing issue, it could be a sign of something more serious,” Carolyn warned.

3. Nipple discharge

If liquid comes from the nipple without squeezing it, it is important to get it checked by a doctor.

“We know from speaking to people on the Breast Cancer Care helpline that this can be a confusing one,” said Carolyn.

“But, if it’s not normal for you, then mention it to your GP.”

4. Swelling in the armpit or around the collarbone

Lumps are the most common sign of breast cancer, but they don’t always appear in the breast.

“Breast tissue can be found under the armpits and up to the collarbone, so you may notice an unusual swelling in these areas,” explained Carolyn.

As a result, when checking your boobs each month it is important to be thorough and check all around the breast and surrounding area.

5. Change in skin texture

From puckering to the slightest hint of a dimple – changes in the skin’s appearance on your breasts can be a sign of cancer.

For example, if it looks and feels like the peel of an orange, go and check it out with your GP.

A recent survey by the charity found one in six women had no idea this could be a sign of the disease.

6. An inverted nipple

Some people naturally have inverted nipples, which is absolutely fine, but everyone’s breasts are different.

“If your nipple suddenly starts to be pulled inwards, or changes its shape or position in any way, then it could be a warning sign,” explained Carolyn.

7. Constant pain

A dull ache that won’t go away in the breast or armpit, is a warning sign for breast cancer.

However, it can be difficult to identify.

“Having pain in the breast area is really common,” said Carolyn.

“It could be caused by a number of things, for example changing hormone levels before your period or even a badly fitting bra.”

But, if the pain doesn’t disappear after a reasonable amount of time, it is worth telling your doctor, she said.

Source Link:  thesun.co.uk