Breast Cancer Signs: Noteworthy Evidence to Help in Diagnosing Breast Cancer - By: Trevor Price

Understanding and being able to detect breast cancer signs are crucial for early detection of the disease and higher success rates. As the most common cancer amongst women in the U.S., breast cancer is a brazen reality and on the rise. Fortunately, it's also a disease with a high cure rate, particularly if it's detected early.

Read on to learn more about associated symptoms and breast cancer signs, along with information on how to watch out for them.

Lump

The majority of breast cancer cases (80%) are diagnosed after a person finds a lump in her own breast and makes an appointment with her doctor. Identifying a lump is usually the easiest and most direct way of detecting the disease.

Whether during a routine self breast examination or simply by accident, a woman will notice or feel a bump that feels significantly different than the surrounding breast tissue. To learn how to do a self breast examination, try the Breast Self Exam (BSE) tutorial on the Komen website, komen.org.

Changing Breast Shape, Skin Texture or Size

Another common symptom or sign is a distinct change in the breast's shape, size or texture. Many women experience a dimpling of the skin with an almost orange peel effect around and under the nipple.

Skin Irritation or Swelling

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare form of breast cancer, but it does occur in about 1% of women diagnosed with the disease. The symptoms typically present themselves through itchiness, swelling, soreness, redness and a heat that resonates throughout the breast.

Paget's Disease of the Breast

Paget's disease is what is considered a secondary or complex symptom of breast cancer. Essentially, the skin of the breast and/or nipple feels and appears as though it's afflicted by eczema. The skin is flaking, itchy, irritated and red.

Weight Loss

Like many cancers, breast cancer patients often experience a decrease in their appetite alongside subsequent weight loss. This symptom doesn't affect all patients, but is common.

Anxiety, Stress and Depression

Unfortunately, mental and emotional symptoms aren't as documented or researched as physical indicators. However, many women who are diagnosed with breast cancer report symptoms of depression and anxiety even before their diagnosis.

Genealogy

If you have a family history of women diagnosed with breast cancer, then it's critical that you let your doctor know and commit to annual mammograms.

From Symptoms to Diagnosis

If you're experiencing any or all the above symptoms, then you may want to consult with your doctor. Remember, the sooner breast cancer is detected, the better your long-term prognosis.

The American Cancer Society recommends conducting a monthly self breast exam and an annual mammogram to detect breast cancer signs like a lump or skin changes.

About the Author

For helpful information on various cancers, please visit cancerinfotips.com, a popular site providing symptom and treatment insights, such as a ovarian cancer warning signs, Neuroblastoma stage 4, and many more!

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