Breast Cancer Symptoms To Watch For

Breast cancer can strike women of any age, and men too. Therefore, it is vitally important to understand the breast cancer symptoms, and what to do in the event you experience one or more of these symptoms. Of course, only your doctor can tell for certain if the symptoms are being caused by cancer. One would be well advised to schedule an appointment without delay if any of these breast cancer symptoms are present.

The first breast cancer symptom is usually a lump. This lump will feel different than the tissue that surrounds it. Because this is the first of the breast cancer signs it’s important to get in the habit of doing a regular self exam. This can go a long way to early detection. You should also have regular mammograms. The earlier it is detected the higher your chances of beating this terrible disease.

Besides a lump, there are other signs of breast cancer to be on the lookout for. Changes in breast size or shape should be brought to your doctor’s attention without delay. Dimpling of the skin around the breast is another sign of concern. Nipples becoming inverted or expressing discharge are other signs that your doctor should be made aware of immediately.

Paget’s disease in your breast could suggest that you have breast cancer. Redness and flakiness on your nipple are the changes you will notice on your breast. As it progresses you may have symptoms like itching on the skin of your breast, feel more sensitive than you normally do, and experience burning and pain. As you always do, it is crucial to tell your doctor if you believe that you might be afflicted with this disease.

Sometimes there are other symptoms that can point to breast cancer. Often an inexplicable and rapid loss of weight can be a symptom of breast cancer. Unexplainable fever and chills that persist for more than a few days are also a possible symptom. Pain in the bones or joints, or jaundice, or a variety of neurological symptoms can sometimes also be symptoms and because of these they should be watched out for.

You must always remember that not all symptoms of breast cancer result in the disease. But at the same time you should not become careless about it. It is just that till something is confirmed by the doctor there is no need to panic. What is necessary is to take appointments and get yourself examined.

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. Start by performing a regular self exam. 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 symptoms, you would be well advised to visit your doctor as soon as possible for mammograms.

- Stephan Grindley