Woman’s body is always changing. Sometimes changes that seem normal can be signs of cancer, though. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that kill women. However, age, diet, physical activities and lifestyle play an important role in the development of breast cancer.
We often associate pain with something wrong, so when women feel soreness or pain in their breast, they often assume it to be breast cancer. However, breast pain is rarely the first noticeable symptom of breast cancer. Several other factors can cause the pain.
Having one or more of these symptoms does not mean you have cancer, or that you’re even likely to have cancer. But if you have one, or if you notice any other big changes in the way your body works or the way you feel, let a doctor know. Following are the signs of breast cancer women shouldn’t ignore.
Lump May Not be Seen, but Might be Felt
Many women may find their breasts feel lumpy. Breast tissue naturally has a bumpy texture. Some women have more lumpiness in their breasts than others. In most cases, this lumpiness is no cause to worry. If lumps can be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, then it’s probably normal breast tissue.
Lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast (or the other breast) or that feel like a change should be checked. This type of lump may be a sign of breast cancer or a benign breast condition.
See a Health care Provider if You:
- Find a new lump (or any change) that feels different from the rest of your breast
- Find a new lump or change that feels different from your other breast
- Feel something that’s different from what you felt before
It’s best to see a doctor if you are unsure about a new lump. Although a lump or change may be nothing to worry about, you’ll have the peace of mind if it is checked.
If you’ve had a gentle lump in the past, don’t assume a new lump will also be nonthreatening. The new lump may not be breast cancer, but it’s best to make sure.
Skin Texture
It’s common for a breast tumor to alter the shape or size of an affected breast. The signs include:
- Change in size or shape. For example, one breast might become larger or lower than the other.
- Any change in color. Like the breast may look red or inflamed.
Appearance or Direction of Nipple
The normally pointing out breast might become inverted in this sign.
Nipple Discharge
Liquid leaking from your nipple can be troubling, but it’s rarely a sign of breast cancer. Discharge can be your body’s natural reaction when the nipple is squeezed. Signs of a more serious condition (such as breast cancer) include discharge that:
- Occurs without squeezing the nipple
- Occurs in only one breast
- Is bloody or clear (not milky)
Nipple discharge can also be caused by an infection or other condition that needs treatment.
A Change in the Skin of the Breast
How the darker area of skin around the nipple looks or feels. For example, the breast may feel warm, tender, or swollen, or look red and scaly.
Later Signs of Breast Cancer Include:
- Inward turning of the nipple
- Enlargement of one breast
- An existing lump that gets bigger
- An “orange peel” texture to the skin
- Vaginal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
- Visible veins on the breast
Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean you have breast cancer. Nipple discharge, for example, can also be caused by an infection.
Look out for any unusual changes in your body and immediately get it checked by a general physician for any risk of breast cancer.