Knowing the Symptoms Can Save your Breasts
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the United States. Breast cancer has already claimed more than 40,000 lives in the country. Prevalent in North America and in the Europe, breast cancer affects more than two million people in the United States alone.
A woman, for instance, has a 1 out of 8 chance of developing breast cancer the entirety of their lives. Each has a 1 out of 28 chance of dying from this condition.
The rapid rise of breast cancer cases and deaths in recent years has alarmed many women groups. This has prompted some groups to form committees and organizations that will help fight off breast cancer through informational campaigns. With the support of celebrities in the United States, the campaign on breast cancer awareness have gained much ground not only for the country but also for the whole world.
One of the focus of the campaign on breast cancer awareness is the emphasis on early detection through self-examination of breasts at home. Remember that this is cancer. The earlier that it is detected, the better the prognosis will be. It is imperative that treatment be applied before the cancerous cells spread to other tissues of the body.
But how can women possibly detect breast cancer at an early stage? Below are some of the symptoms that you should watch out for.
Changes in the appearance of the nipple
One of the early signs of breast cancer is the abnormal changes in the appearance of the nipple. The nipple will often feel extraordinary tender. They will become engorged or enlarged. Some will become distended while others will change in shape. There are cases when the nipple will turn inward.
Lumps and bumps on the breast area
Breast cancer prevention advocates also advise women to try and feel their breasts everyday. Try to see if there are lumps or bumps. These are often signs of the presence of tumors in the breast. If you feel some of these, it is best that you go to your doctor and have it examined. Lumps and bumps may also be caused by hormonal changes in the body. If however hormonal therapy does not work, the lumps may be due to cancerous cells.
Changes in the breast area
There will also be some thickening in the breast area as well as in the underarm area where the lymph nodes are located. The thickening and swelling is the body’s way of fighting off an invasion from the cancerous cells. Cysts may be found in the areas where the lumps are felt. The skin of the breast may also become scaly and swollen. The same goes with the areola and the nipple itself. There are also instances when ridges or pitting will appear on the skin.
Discharges in the nipple
There will be some discharges coming from the nipple. Take heart though that you do not panic too early. For people who are between 41 to 58 years old, a non-bloody leakage in both nipples is actually quite normal. This is often due to hormonal imbalance. The condition may be worrisome but should not really be a cause for concern. If however the discharge only comes from one nipple and the fluid coming out is bloody or is a new discharge, it is best that you immediately consult your doctor about it.
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