Breast Cancer Information, News and Updates

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, and one of the most common types of cancer in general.  It is estimated that one in seven women that live to age 90 will develop breast cancer.  It is especially prevalent in some families, making the statistics a bit skewed.  If you have a family history of breast cancer, your chances of developing the disease are much greater.  It’s therefore a good idea to stay especially vigilant for breast cancer symptoms.

Breast cancer symptoms don’t often manifest themselves until the cancer is already in its later stages of growth, and may have already metastasized to other more vital areas of the body.  That is why it is so important for women to regularly get checked.  Mammograms may be unpleasant, but late stage breast cancer symptoms are worse.

The most clear and common breast cancer symptom is of course a lump in your breast.  It is important to keep in mind that not all lumps are cancerous.  Most women will develop numerous lumps in their breasts throughout their lives; they are especially common during periods of rapid hormonal changes such as puberty, and menstruation.  Some women will have more lumps than others.

A more severe breast cancer symptom will be pain in your breasts.  A cancer that has grown large enough to impinge on nerves will be a noticeable lump in a self check or mammogram, so hopefully you’ll catch anything before it gets to the point of causing pain.  If one or both of your breasts are in pain, again its important to keep in mind that you don’t necessarily have breast cancer.  During puberty and periods of hormone fluxes, tenderness of the breasts is common.  Also pregnancy, and some medications can cause pain or tenderness in your breasts.

Even though most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women over 40, women in their teens and twenties are occasionally diagnosed as well.  Most people don’t know that about one percent of the cases are in men.  Starting from puberty, it is a good idea to start checking yourself for lumps.  Remember, during this period you’re likely to find a lot of lumps that are harmless.  With some experience and some consultation with your doctor, you’ll soon get an idea of the kinds of lumps that are normal, and the kinds of lumps that may be breast cancer symptoms.

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Breast changes occur in almost all women. Most of these changes are not cancer. However, some breast changes may be signs of cancer. Breast changes that are not cancer are called benign.

Lumpiness

Most women have some type of lumpiness in their breasts. Some areas may be more dense than others and can feel lumpy in an exam. What you are feeling may be glandular breast tissue.

Breast Changes Due to Your Period

Many women have swelling, tenderness, and pain in their breasts before and sometimes during their periods. You may also feel one or more lumps during this time because of extra fluid in your breasts.

Because some lumps are caused by normal hormone changes, your health care provider may suggest watching the lump for a month or two to see if it changes or goes away.

Single Lumps

Single lumps can appear at any time and come in various types and sizes. Most lumps are not cancer, but your health care provider should always check the lump carefully. He or she may do more tests to make sure the lump is not cancer.

Check with your health care provider if you notice any kind of lump. Even if you had a lump in the past that turned out to be benign, you can’t be sure that a new lump is also benign.

Nipple Discharge

Nipple discharge is common for some women. It is fluid that comes from the nipple in different colors or textures. Usually, it is not a sign of cancer. For example, birth control pills and other medicines, such as sedatives, can cause a little discharge. Certain infections also cause nipple discharge. However, for women who are going through or have passed menopause, nipple discharge can be a sign of cancer.

See your doctor if you have nipple discharge for the first time, or a change in your discharge’s color or texture. He or she may send a sample of the discharge to be checked at a lab.

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