Breasts are the most delicate and sensitive part of a woman’s body. Breasts are a woman’s pride and something that helps her feed her baby when she turns a mother. It is, therefore, imperative that you care of your breasts all the more, keep them healthy. While there are things you can do for a better breast health such as wear the right size bra, not wear too tight clothes, and if you are a woman above 35, get yourself a yearly mammogram to ensure they are healthy. But aside from these, every girl should closely observe their breasts and look out for signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
Your body gives out certain warning signs, and if you see any of the below listed abnormality in your breasts, you should see your healthcare professional immediately. Here are some of the sure-fire signs of breast cancer you should watch out for.
1. Change in the size of your breast
You experience a sudden change in the appearance of your breasts. One breast could appear enlarged or another breast shrunken. You notice a dimple formation on your breast. Any asymmetry you see in your breasts should be taken seriously. Not to say that, in most women one breast is a beat larger than the other, which is normal. But if you have noticed a sudden increase in the size of only one breast, or if you have experienced a sudden shrinking of one breast, you should call your doctor. Even the appearance of your nipples plays a role here. Check if a nipple is slightly turned inward, or the skin on your nipple has turned red or scaly. If you are clear of all these signs you have no reason to worry.
2. Change in the feel of your breast
Are your nipples always tender, even if you are not nearing your periods? This is among the symptoms of breast cancer you should watch out for. The appearance of a lump on a breast or thickening of a breast near the underarm area are signs of alarm. Though most women who report lumps in their breast are not diagnosed with breast cancer. These lumps in most cases are benign, but then the moment you notice a lump or swelling in your breast you need to see your doctor, and have the lump tested and even removed. Also, do you see the pores on the skin of the breast wider than usual, does it have the texture of an orange peel? Report them to your healthcare professional.
3. Discharge from your nipple
If you are not a breastfeeding mum, this should not happen. No other scenario in a woman’s life warrants a discharge from the breast. Have you noticed a mild pale to milky discharge from a nipple, and wondered what it could mean, this could well be among the important symptoms of breast cancer. And you need to bring it up at the earliest with your doctor, get a mammogram, and put your doubts to rest. Even a bloody discharge from your nipple is considered a cause of alarm. See your doctor immediately.
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4. Itchy and redness of breast
Do you itch your breast repeatedly, or one of your breast has developed a redness which is not owing to any insect bite and such like, you should be concerned. Redness or scaling of the breast skin is regarded as one of the prominent signs and symptoms of breast cancer. Owing to a tissue inflammation your breast has turned red or you notice a bruise-like mark on it, this could be a symptom of inflammatory breast cancer, a rather rare cancer where the malignant cells clog your breasts lymph vessels. This kind of a cancer may not begin with a tumour or lump after all.
5. Acute pain in your breast
If your breast feel warm and uncomfortable all the time, they hurt when you lie on your stomach, and there is a severe pain every time you touch them, change your bra or otherwise, are among the definite symptoms of breast cancer. Inflammatory or very painful breasts for a prolonged period need medical attention, and you should lose no time in doing so.
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