Breast Cancer Symptoms To Be Aware Of

by Stephan Grindley

It is imperative that women of all ages stay up to date with breast cancer symptoms and what responses are available should they be diagnosed, due to the fact that women both young and old are susceptible. However, since there are many symptoms which may point to breast cancer, you should check with your doctor for confirmation as they will be able to give you an informed opinion. Should you believe yourself to have the following breast cancer symptoms, you would be well advised to visit your doctor as soon as possible.

A lump in the breast is usually the first sign of breast cancer. The lump will have a different feel than the regular tissue surrounding it in the breast. Since this is the first sign of breast cancer a regular self exam is a crucial habit to engage in, and can have a significant impact on early detection. Mammograms are another important step to undertake regularly. The earlier that breast cancer is detected the greater the likelihood is that you will survive this terrible disease.

There are a few more breast cancer symptoms to notice, after a lump. Let your doctor know immediately if the size or shape of your breast looks different. You may also notice dimples on the skin of your breast. If you have inverted nipples or see a discharge from one nipple, you should let your doctor know about this.

Other diseases can sometimes indicate the more likely presence of breast cancer. Paget's disease is one such example. Paget's disease is characterized by changes in the breast such flaking around the nipples and redness of the breast. As the disease progressives, signs include itchy skin around the breast, breast tenderness, pain, and a burning sensation. It is very important to alert your physician to any such changes.

Sometimes breast cancer shows its presence with other symptoms. If you quickly lose a lot of weight you aren't trying to lose, that may be one sign of breast cancer. Others include continued episodes of fever or chills, pain in bones or joints, neurological problems, and jaundice. It never hurts for a woman to be vigilant in caring for her body and health by watching out for these other possible symptoms.

One thing to remember is most of the time symptoms of breast cancer do not actually turn out to be cancer. However, this doesn't mean that you should not be serious with any symptoms that do occur. What it does mean is that you need to be certain to tell your doctor about them so he can look at them and tell you what is happening, there is no need to be overly alarmed. Just make sure to make an appointment with your doctor to get any symptoms checked.

It is imperative that women of all ages stay up to date with breast cancer symptoms because women both young and old are susceptible. However, since there are many symptoms which may point to breast cancer, you should check with your doctor for confirmation. If you believe yourself to have any breast cancer signs or symptoms, you would be well advised to visit your doctor as soon as possible. It's also important to get in the habit of doing a regular self exam, as well as having periodic mammograms on the schedule your doctor advises.

Published August 30th, 2008

Filed in Women