BREAST CANCER – Signs and Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of breast cancer

Remember, lumps in the breast are very common, especially just before your period. Most lumps are not breast cancer.

Most often breast cancer is first noticed as a painless lump in the breast or armpit. You or your partner may discover the lump, or your doctor may find it during a routine physical exam or screening mammogram.

Other signs might include:

• lump or swelling in the armpit
• changes in breast size or shape
• dimpling or puckering of the skin – thickening and dimpling skin is sometimes called orange peel
• redness, swelling and increased warmth in the affected breast
• inverted nipple – nipple turns inwards
• crusting or scaling on the nipple

Often, these symptoms are not caused by cancer. Other health problems can cause them. Testing is necessary to make a diagnosis. Read more.

 
Understanding Symptoms

The classic symptom for breast cancer is a lump found in the breast or armpit. An aggressive type of this disease, inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), grows in sheets or nests of tumor cells that invade the skin and can resemble a rash. Doing your monthly breast self-exam (BSE) is a great way to be familiar with your breasts’ texture, cyclical changes, size, and skin condition. Early detection is the best way to protect your health and improve your odds of survival. Don’t hesitate to see your doctor or nurse for a clinical breast exam (CBE) if you have a question about a change in your breasts.

Breast Chek Kit

 

 

This revolutionary kit consists of two micro-thin layers of polyurethane with a non-toxic lubricant sealed in between.

When the Breast Chek is placed on the breast, the bottom layer gently adheres to the skin and remains stable allowing the upper layer to slide freely underneath your fingertips.

As the upper layer slides freely over the bottom layer, friction is greatly reduced.

This results in what is called “sensory touch magnification,” meaning that your sense of touch is greatly improved, which leads to more effective and accurate breast exams.