Save Your Life: Know The Early Signs Of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer refers to a malignant tumor that has developed from cells in the breast. It can begin in the cells of the lobules, which are milk-producing glands, or in the ducts, which are the passages that drain milk from the lobules to the nipple.

This type of cancer is the number one cancer that kills women. Factors such as age, lifestyle, diet, physical activity, genetics, and breastfeeding history all play an important role in breast cancer development.

The stages of breast cancer are determined by cancer’s characteristics, like whether or not it has hormone receptors, or how large it is. Usually, it is expressed as a number on a scale of 0 (non-invasive cancer that remains within the original location) through IV (invasive cancer that has spread outside the breast to other parts of the body).

Early diagnosis of this cancer is the key to its treatment and recovery. There are certain physical signs as well as non-visual signs you need to know that will help you save your life. Continue reading to know more of these signs.

Warning Signs of Breast Cancer You Shouldn’t Ignore

A Change In The Size Or Shape Of The Breast

A breast tumor commonly changes the shape or size of the breast affected.

Node Or Lumps Felt On Or Inside Of The Breast

It is recommended to regularly perform a monthly self-examination of your breasts. This will help you feel if there are any abnormalities on certain areas of your breast and underarms. The most common breast cancer symptom is a painless lump or thickening in the breast or the armpit. You should immediately seek the advice of a medical professional once you discover a lump.

A Change In The Skin Of The Breast, Nipple, Or Areola

This refers to how the darker area of the skin around the nipple looks or feels. It may feel tender, warm, or swollen or may look red and scaly.

Nipple Tenderness Or Discharge

Discharge from one nipple, especially if it appears without squeezing the nipple and is blood-stained, may be a sign of breast cancer.

A Sore Or Ulcer On The Breast That Does Not Heal

Any sore around the breasts that don’t heal should be checked out by your doctor because there are some cases that these non-healing sores may be a serious indication of Paget’s disease – a type of breast cancer – especially if the sore area is the nipple.

A Newly Inverted Nipple

If you happen to have recently noticed that your nipples become inverted, try to talk to your doctor about it and see if this is a sign of cancer or not.

An inverted nipple in itself doesn't mean you have breast cancer. Some women normally have a flat nipple that looks inverted, and other women develop an inverted nipple over time but it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Late Signs And Symptoms

Here are the symptoms that occur as cancer grows larger:

1. Weight loss
2. A persistent headache
3. Double vision
4. Bone pain
5. Muscle weakness
6. Nausea
7. Loss of appetite
8. A buildup of fluid around the lungs
   
   

Though breast cancer is far more common in women, men may also develop breast cancer. Some of its symptoms in men include sores around the nipple, fluid from the nipple, lump in the breast, pain, and tenderness of the nipple, and retraction or inversion of the nipple.