The warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer can vary from woman to woman, so it is crucial to become familiar with how your own breasts normally look and feel. In addition to your annual screening mammograms, you should try to do a monthly breast self-examination to maintain peak breast health. Unfortunately, some mammograms may not detect every breast cancer, so it is important for you to be able to notice changes in your breasts that may need to be medically looked at. While the most common symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or mass, other possible symptoms of breast cancer include:
- Breast thickening or swelling
- Irritation or dimpling of breast skin
- Nipple discharge or redness
- Pain in any area of the breast
- Any other change in the size or the shape of the breast or nipple
How to do a Breast Self-Exam
Begin by standing up straight and examining your breasts in the mirror. You should look for any distortion, swelling, or discoloration of the breasts and nipples. Next, raise your arms and look for the same changes in the mirror. Lie down and use a firm, circular motion to feel all the tissue from each breast. Make sure to cover the entire surface area of the breast, from your collarbone to your abdomen. Sit up, and repeat this hand movement across each entire breast again. If you notice any rashes, discharge, or lumps, you should immediately bring this to your doctor’s attention.
Get the Answers You Need
If you’ve experienced any of the warning signs listed above or found a lump during your breast self-exam, be sure to see a health care provider or breast imaging specialist. The experts at Little Silver Mammography and HerSpace have access to cutting edge technology to ensure the best patient care. Knowing what symptoms to look for does not replace an annual mammogram and diagnostic screenings. Screening tests may be able to detect breast cancer before you even begin to notice any symptoms. Early detection is the key to successful treatment, so don’t wait for symptoms to appear, call us today to discuss your options.
