How Do I Know if I Have Breast Cancer?

 

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer will be different in each person. It’s also possible for someone to have no symptoms at all.

What to Look for

A new lump or mass in the breast is the most common symptom of breast cancer, however, not all breast lumps are cancer. A lump can be painful or not, hard or soft, and have round or irregular edges.

Other symptoms of breast cancer can be:

  • Skin dimpling

  • Pain in the breast or nipple

  • Swelling in all or part of a breast (even with no lump)

  • Nipple discharge (that is not breast milk)

  • Nipple inversion

  • Dry, red, flaking, or thickened skin of the breast or nipple

  • Swollen lymph nodes around the collarbone or under the arm

These can also be symptoms of other, non-cancerous conditions. Still, if you experience any of these symptoms, you should have them examined by a health care professional as soon as possible. The sooner cancer is found, the sooner it can be treated, and the higher the chance of survival.

Other Measures You Should Take

The best thing you can do is to know what your breasts look and feel like, so you’ll be aware if there are any changes. Do a self-examination at least once a month, about a week after the end of your period, so there’s less chance of swelling or tenderness from menstruation. If you notice any changes, call your doctor to schedule an appointment.

In addition to monthly self-examinations, women 40 years of age and older should have a yearly screening mammogram. One out of every eight women over 40 will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point, and the chance of survival is higher the sooner it is found and treated.

To help us find the one in eight, schedule a mammogram today.

 
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