It all begins with something trivial. While dressing up or showering, a woman senses something unusual in her body. She shrugs it off as unimportant, saying it would go away on its own, that she is too busy to investigate. Medical professionals state that delay in investigating is one of the leading causes of late diagnosis of breast cancer. Which symptoms should raise concerns then?
1. Lumps or Thickened Areas
A lump in the breast is probably the most well-known early warning sign. The lump could either be firm and irregular, having no mobility, or soft and rounded. The majority of breast lumps do not prove to be cancerous; however, medical examination is required to be sure.
2. Persistent Pain
Painful sensations in the breasts are often related to hormonal changes and rarely indicate cancer. However, you should consult with a doctor in case the pain is constant, localised, and not associated with your menstrual cycle.
3. Changes in the Skin Texture
Be careful with any dimpling, puckering, and skin that appears to be like an orange peel. Redness, scalloping, and rashes are warning signs too.
4. Nipple Discharge
If there is any nipple discharge that does not occur as a result of being squeezed, especially if it is bloody, clear, or occurs from only one breast, this should be checked. Nipple discharge associated with milk is not a sign in the same way.
5. Changes in the Nipple
Any sudden inversion of the nipple, scaling, itching, or soreness should not be ignored.
6. Changes in Size or Shape
If one of the breasts changes in appearance with respect to size, shape, or positioning, this is noteworthy. Breast swelling in whole or in part may be significant even if no lump is felt.
7. Lumps in Armpits or Around the Collarbone
The lymph nodes located either in the armpit or around the collarbone area may swell because of the cancer cells spreading. Lumps in this area can even occur before there is any found in the breast itself.
What Should You Do Next?
However, not all of them are cancer indicators; some of them might be due to benign conditions. But what matters is not to overlook any of these symptoms. Doctors usually advise you to get examined at once.
It also helps to be self-aware. Being aware of how your breasts look and feel helps you notice anything unusual. Your schedule for screening should depend on your age and family history, which only your doctor will be able to figure out for you.
October is marked in every part of the world as the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. So it was a good time for one woman to pay attention to the warning signs. The other woman might regret not doing that.
Khushi Patel is a Senior Sub Editor at NewsX, covering automotive, technology, Lifestyle, entertainment, and mainstream news. She previously worked as a Copy Editor at Times Network and has written automotive editorial content, including comparison pieces, for TimesDrive.
