Know Your Risk: 3 Common Signs and Symptoms of Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women. In fact, one in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. But, with early detection, women have a survival rate of 86 percent. So, get to know your breasts, and don't ignore any unusual changes. Although finding a new lump or mass is the most common experience for women, it isn't the only symptom you should be aware of.
By recognizing other signs and symptoms of breast cancer and reporting them to your healthcare provider, you can improve your chances of successful treatment.
So, here are some other symptoms of breast cancer, besides lumps that you watch out for, as well as additional resources to help manage your risk.
Nipple Changes
Most nipple symptoms like soreness or sensitivity are often caused by the hormonal changes you experience during your period, pregnancy, or menopause. But changes like crusting, scaling, or a nipple that faces inward should also be checked out by your healthcare provider. This may indicate a more serious problem.
Discharge from your Nipple
Nipple discharge can be concerning, but this does not always mean that there's something wrong. Nipple discharge can happen, for example, while pregnant, if you have an infection, or because of your medicines.
Breast discharge that is cause for more serious concern includes:
· Discharge that happens without squeezing your nipple
· Discharge that occurs only in one breast
· Discharge that happens suddenly
· Discharge that is bloody or clear (not a milky color)
Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any symptoms. Together you can create a plan for the best possible care.
Skin Changes
If you notice that your breast is redder, dimpled, has small painful blisters, or is warmer than usual, this could be a sign of a rare form of breast cancer- inflammatory breast cancer (IBC).
Inflammatory breast cancer generally does not cause lumps to form in the breast and usually appears as a rash, or your skin texture may look like an orange peel. Therefore, IBC is sometimes misdiagnosed as a skin infection.
Other symptoms of IBC include:
· Burning feeling in the breast
· Breast tenderness or heaviness
· Breast size that increases quickly
Paget disease of the breast also causes skin changes. Flaking, crusting, or thickening skin on or around your nipple, areola, and surrounding skin is not uncommon. You may also have pain, itching, or burning in the affected area.
The symptoms of Paget disease of the breast are often mistaken for dermatitis or eczema, so be sure to follow up with a healthcare provider.
Tips to Lower your Breast Cancer Risk
There is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, but there are things that you can do to lower your risk.
First, get familiar with your breast by performing a monthly self-breast exam. These exams help you learn about your breast and alert you of any changes. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and it can easily be built into your daily schedule, like while you are getting dressed or showering.
If you have regular monthly periods, it is ideal to perform a self-breast exam one week after your period ends (since your hormones change throughout the month).
If your period is a little more irregular, or if you don't get a period at all, pick one day each month to examine your breast. Choose an easy day for you to remember, like the first day of the month or your favorite number.
Tap into your Resources
Knowing where to turn to for resources and specialist is vital. The Lynne Cohen, Preventative Care Foundation offers a network of preventive care clinics and healthcare experts. Open to all women who have an increased risk for ovarian and breast cancers; these providers help determine the risk for breast cancer and offer the best course of action. The Lynne Cohen Foundation also provides education programs and tools for early breast cancer prevention and detection.
Get a Mammogram
Regular breast cancer screenings can help detect breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. Experts recommend that women at average risk of breast cancer get a mammogram every one to two years, beginning at age 40 but no later than age 50 years old. After that, your screenings should continue until you are at least age 75 years old.
Optimal Breast Health
Experiencing any breast symptoms out of the ordinary can be concerning but try not to panic. Being aware of other breast cancer signs and symptoms besides lumps can help you take the steps necessary to achieve optimal breast health.
Janelle King is a Registered Nurse with a Master of Public Health. She has written articles for Sisters from AARP, The Body: The HIV/AIDS Resource, Modern Fertility, among many others, and featured in Women's Day Magazine. You can find her writing about reproductive health and wellness in her blog The Nurse Note in her spare time. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram @thenursenote.