Of all the diseases and illnesses that affect women all around the world, breast cancer is amongst the most frightening. 1 in 8 women will suffer with breast cancer at one time or another in their lives but that is by no means the most disturbing statistic. In 2000, it was predicted that 182,800 women and 1,400 men would be diagnosed with it and over 42,600 would die. Scared? Many people are, especially young women because breast cancer has no respect for age. Although most women that are diagnosed with the disease are over the age of 50, any woman of any age can develop it. I should know – my mother was just 32 when she developed breast cancer for the first time.
The Importance Of Early Diagnosis
My mum fought breast cancer twice within two years and survived. She is still here today and most definitely the strongest woman I know. However, both times her symptoms were detected early. This is the key to surviving breast cancer. The earlier a diagnosis is sought, the better the chances that any treatment plan that you are given will work. As such, you need to be fully aware of what breast cancer symptoms can be identified and perform breast checks on a regular basis.
Why am I writing this? I feel that it is important for every woman to know exactly what breast cancer symptoms are regardless of whether you are considered to be at risk or not. The causes of breast cancer are not known but the level of risk you consider yourself to have is irrelevant. It is in my family and I have had it drilled into me to check my breasts regularly since I was 12. Another family member has recently been diagnosed with it as well and her battle is just about to commence. I hope that she will be one of the 80% that now survive breast cancer but it is up to you to make sure that you are too if you ever develop it by finding out all you can, starting right here.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Breast cancer symptoms are numerous but you should know a little about all of them because you may notice any one of them during a routine breast check. The most common sign of breast cancer is a lump, which may be anywhere around the breast area including under the arm. Although very few breast lumps are actually cancerous (around 90% are benign), you should go straight to your doctor and ask for an examination to be on the safe side. A good doctor will be able to examine you and send you for tests. If you do find a lump or a general thickening of an area of the breast then do not panic or ignore it but seek medical attention as quickly as possible.
Another of the breast cancer symptoms that you might notice is a change in the shape or size of your breast or perhaps the nipple. Becoming familiar with the way your breasts feel and what they look like will enable you to notice any changes like this. With the nipple, you should look for irregular shaping, sinking into the breast or it may even invert. The nipple can actually give a few tell tale breast cancer symptoms because it may also give a bloody discharge or have a rash around it. The rash may look like an allergic reaction or eczema. Similarly, any of the skin on the breast may appear dimpled. However, if you have breast pain then this is unlikely to mean that you have cancer. It is one of the most widespread misconceptions that women having breast pain have cancer. More often than not, breast pain comes from either bruising or hormonal changes so do not panic if your breasts do hurt from time to time.
Now for the part that will completely confuse you! All of the breast cancer symptoms above may not actually mean that you have cancer. This may sound a little strange but they can be signs of other health issues so you should always check them out but never ever ignore them. Many women have died or taken far longer to recover because they have found breast cancer symptoms and believed them to be something else, thus neglecting to seek medical attention. As such, just be vigilant. Take notice of your breasts and make sure that you know exactly what to look for in terms of early breast cancer symptoms. After all, it may just save your life.
Sources
Breast Cancer Symptoms: http://www.cancerhelp.org.uk/help/default.asp?page=3284
Breast Cancer Facts: http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/breastcancer/a/breastcancfacts.htm
