{"id":2158,"date":"2018-10-01T06:14:07","date_gmt":"2018-10-01T06:14:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=2158"},"modified":"2021-05-19T19:28:46","modified_gmt":"2021-05-19T19:28:46","slug":"8-breast-cancer-symptoms-every-woman-should-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/8-breast-cancer-symptoms-every-woman-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Breast Cancer Symptoms Every Woman Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Breast cancer is an extremely serious condition, and we\u2019d go as far as to say that it\u2019s every woman\u2019s worst nightmare \u2013 everyone has known at least one person who has survived breast cancer, and many people have been unfortunate to lose someone to breast cancer during the same lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s not a pleasant thing to go through, but it\u2019s generally known that breast cancer is one of the cancers from which it is still possible to recover when the disease is caught in its early stages. If you think you might be suffering from breast cancer, go to the doctor rather than wonder about your symptoms for too long \u2013 if the disease is still caught early on, then your path to recovery is bound to be much shorter and easier than letting it wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And it doesn\u2019t just happen to women \u2013 many men have experienced breast cancer from a first-person perspective, too. Here are 8 symptoms of breast cancer that you should know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pain and Tenderness of Breasts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes pain and tenderness <\/a>in the breasts can be a completely normal thing to expect when a women is nearing her monthly period \u2013 and this means that women come to expect the pain and tenderness that\u2019s associated with it, but you should always remember to take note of any changes in your body \u2013 especially in your breasts \u2013 when it falls outside of what you would normally expect from your cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes this is simply due to some basic hormonal changes in the body, and it might just be happening because your cycle is closeby and might be occurring at a different time than you are used to \u2013 but you should consider any pain and tenderness in the breasts a cause for concern and keep a closer eye to see if you spot any other symptoms over time. When should you see your doctor? The moment you experience something unusual, check with your doctor just to be sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Sudden Changes in Breast Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should watch your breasts for any type of changes that happen to them: This means you should take note of anything that is outside of what you would normally expect \u2013 yes, the breasts change over time, and they are bound to go through some changes when you approach your period, but if any changes occur at a time when you really do not expect it to happen or if these changes are exceptionally drastic or painful then you should consult your doctor immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breast cancer <\/a>is one of the cancers that can be cured easily \u2013 but only if and when it is spotted early. One of these changes in your breasts that you should be watching out for is any changes in breast size: While your breasts are normally a different size to one another, you should take note of any changes in breast size that are more than you expect \u2013 or at a time it would normally not happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Lumps in the Breasts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many guides about how to examine your own breasts, and we suggest that you check out one of these how-to tutorials to make sure that you know how it works: And, we\u2019d also suggest that you do a self breast examination regularly, like every time you get out of the shower. Doing this means that you will notice any small changes happening in your breasts immediately and be able to report it to your doctor before it starts to spread.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes lumps <\/a>in the breasts can simply be clogged nodes that will correct themselves with time, or they can be fibroadenomas \u2013 which are generally considered to be harmless \u2013 but lumps in the breasts should always be checked out by your doctor, especially if they don\u2019t go away. There is no embarrassment in going to the doctor for a physical \u2013 especially when you can spot the symptoms early on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Changes in your Period<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Have you been experiencing any kind of changes in what you would expect to be your normal period cycle? You should always take note, and if possible, be keeping a record of just when your last period has been \u2013 and when you are expecting your next one to be. There are many things that can cause a variation in your period, causing it to occur early or late \u2013 some of these things include pregnancy<\/a>, of course, but it can also happen because of things like dietary changes and added stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all changes in the cycle of your period are a serious reason for concern, but you should take note if it has been a while since your last period, or if your flow has been lighter or heavier than usual. Report any changes to your doctor, and especially mention it if you are able to combine any of the symptoms on this list with each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Changes in Skin Texture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve already said that you should keep a close eye on your breasts throughout the month, examine them regularly at home and note any changes in breast size, feel and appearance \u2013 if any of these changes are persisting for a long time or are more prominent or intense than you would normally expect, that\u2019s the first sign that you should go straight to your doctor as soon as you can so they can have a closer look at your symptoms<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember: The only way to properly take care of breast cancer is to spot and treat the symptoms as early as you can. One of the things that you should watch out for is any sudden change in the texture of your breasts \u2013 such as dimpling on the skin, which is another first-sign that something is wrong and that you should visit a doctor as soon as you can. Your doctor will likely check it out and then book a scan so they can have a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Sudden Nipple Changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You should remember to examine your breasts on a regular basis \u2013 that is, a couple of times a week. This is something that you should get into the habit <\/a>of doing regularly, and you should note any small changes as they happen. These changes might be nothing to worry about at all, or you might find that you are glad that you made an appointment with your doctor early on in the process if something is spotted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition to small changes in size and texture that you might experience with your breasts, you might also experience sudden changes with your nipples: They might be puffy, red, swollen or itchy \u2013 or they might become \u201cinner-facing\u2019 nipples when they were not doing so before \u2013 these are all signs that you should take note of and mention to your doctor, especially if you can match them up with some of the other symptoms we\u2019ve already ran through here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Discharge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

During your breast examination, you might spot that in addition to your breasts being tender <\/a>and swollen or a lump being present, you might be experiencing a minor amount of discharge \u2013 now, this might be worrying, but there are some cases where a discharge from the nipples can be attributed to something else in your health, like a type of medication you are taking or simply something that\u2019s clogged and needs to be released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But more often than not, an unexpected discharge from the breasts (and any other part of the body) warrants a further and closer look by a doctor. If you don\u2019t go to the doctor, you might have a lot of things in your body that you don\u2019t know about \u2013 you should never be afraid to visit the doctor for fear of what they might find out, you should be more afraid of not visiting the doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Lymph Nodes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You might experience some of the symptoms that we have mentioned in this article if you are suffering from breast cancer, but don\u2019t think that you have to experience several of the symptoms at once to be a risk factor \u2013 you should know that you can experience symptoms in many ways, as everyone tends to experience the symptoms of diseases and illnesses a little bit differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Go to the doctor if any of these symptoms, anything even remotely unusual, persists when it comes to your health: It\u2019s much better to be safe than sorry, and no matter what the outcome is it\u2019s always safer to know. Another sign that you should have your health checked out for any other symptoms that might be indicative is the sign that your lymph nodes<\/a> are becoming inflamed \u2013 and this could point to an infection in your system, or could very well indicate breast cancer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Dimpling<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This condition affects the surface texture of the breast. The increase in inflammation <\/a>in the tissues may result in your skin taking on the appearance of an orange. Skin dimpling is an advanced symptom of breast cancer and typically occurs when the disease reaches an advanced stage. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As cancer cells grow aggressively, they create a build-up in the lymph fluid in the lymph glands and nodes, resulting in pitting of the skin around the breasts. This condition is a severe warning sign that the breasts are in an advanced stage of cancer, and if the patient has not received a diagnosis by this stage of the progression, they may require a mastectomy to remove all of the affected tissues. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Undergoing a mastectomy can affect a woman\u2019s self-image and confidence, but it\u2019s necessary to remove cancer before it spreads to other areas of the body through the lymphatic system. Doctors describe skin dimpling attributed to breast cancer as, \u201cpeau d’orange.\u201d<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Isolated Breast Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As cancer cells divide and grow in breast tissue, they cause pain throughout the breasts<\/a>. However, some tumor\u2019s may cause isolated pain in an area of the chest. This pain typically occurs due to the inflammation of a lymph node or gland. You may notice that pain symptoms increase if your touch or press on the affected area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s vital that you don\u2019t irritate the area, as it could lead to the spread of the cancer cells and the formation of other tumors in the breast. If you notice a pain in the side of your chest or anywhere leading up to the inside of the armpit, it may be due to inflammation of the lymph nodes and glands in this area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consult with your doctor immediately for a diagnosis, the longer you wait, the higher the chances of cancer spreading throughout the breast and metastasizing to other areas of the body.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Abdominal Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The lymphatic system<\/a> runs throughout the entire body. Its job is to filter toxins from blood and tissues, expelling them through the lymph nodes and out of the body. Women who are suffering from breast cancer experience an inflammation in these lymph nodes and glands that starts as a dull pain, and increases in intensity as tumor\u2019s start to form in the tissue around the breasts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lymphatic system also extends into the abdominal area, and affected women may notice that they start to experience abdominal pain in the upper region of the abdomen. If left untreated, this pain spreads throughout the region as cancer begins to invade other areas of the body and progress toward the stomach.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice a sensation of pain that pulses from your chest toward your stomach, it may be a sign that the cancer cells are on the move. Arrange a consultation with your doctor to discuss the treatment and management of your condition.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any form of cancer has the potential to affect your appetite. As the cancer cells grow, they change the average production of hormones and enzymes <\/a>in the body. Ghrelin is also known as, \u201cthe hunger hormone,\u201d due to its function of regulating appetite. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who are suffering from breast cancer may experience an imbalance in ghrelin and leptin, resulting in a loss of appetite. Some women may not notice this reduction in appetite and don\u2019t pay any immediate attention to the symptom. As the weeks go by, the body ends up in a caloric deficit, which results in significant weight loss. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calories provide the body with energy, and a reduction in appetite will also affect energy levels and regulation of mood, leading to wild swings in temperament and demeanor in affected women dealing with breast cancer. Doctors treat this loss of appetite with medications that improve ghrelin production while reducing production of the counter hormone \u2013 leptin.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Areola Changes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

along with changes to the skin of the breasts, and the shape of the nipple, the accumulation of cancer cells in breast tissue may also lead to changes in the areola, the pigmented tissue surrounding the nipple. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who are dealing with breast cancer may notice that the areole skin starts to crust and peel, resulting in flaking. This condition can be incredibly irritating, and lead to itching symptoms, especially when the affected individual wears a bra. The bra roughs up the skin exacerbating symptoms of scaling, peeling, and flaking, making the areole feel tender and sore.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women who are experiencing these symptoms may gain relief by applying Vitamin E<\/a> oil to the areole to improve skin health and stop the peeling and scaling of the skin. A regular moisturizing routine will also help to soothe the symptoms and protect the skin from infection by bacteria, which may cause further complications with your condition. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Risk factors<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Breast cancer has a list of attributing factors that predispose a segment of the population to develop breast cancer. Some of these risk factors<\/a> identified by medical science include;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hereditary factors, or cancer in your family on either of your parent\u2019s side.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Age \u2013 Risk increases with age and studies suggest that women older than 45-years are most at risk of developing breast cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A history of breast conditions – such as atypical hyperplasia of the breast, or development of lobular carcinoma, also increases your risk.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve already had breast cancer on one side, the chances are high that you\u2019ll develop on the other as well. Women need to consult with their doctor frequently.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Genetic abnormalities also play a significant role in the development of the condition. Gene mutations, referred to as BRCA1 and BRCA2, significantly increase your risk of developing the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Radiation exposure to chest x-rays as a child is also another significant risk factor for the development of breast cancer later in life.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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