Breast cancer, if caught early, is highly treatable. If it’s allowed to spread and grow more severe, however, then it can be fatal. To prevent breast cancer from developing or spreading, you need to make sure that you regularly check yourself. In addition to checking yourself, you also need to take time to learn about what the main symptoms of breast cancer are. This post will tell you everything that you need to know so that you don’t have to scour the internet for information. Here are the top warning signs of breast cancer that you should be aware of:

Breast Cancer

So that you can properly learn how to detect breast cancer, you need to be aware of what it is. So, what is breast cancer, and how is it detected? Breast cancer is a disease that’s caused by out-of-control breast cells. There are many different types of breast cancer, some with better rates of survival and treatment than others. The type of breast cancer one is diagnosed with depends largely upon where it begins in the breast and how quickly it spreads. Surgery is the most common (and effective) treatment for breast cancer. Surgery is followed by radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and sometimes hormone therapy.

Check-ups

In terms of warning signs, the best way to catch the disease early is to go for regular physical check-ups with your doctor. You should also check yourself. Check-ups with your doctor will help them to identify if you have any other conditions, as well. Make sure that when you go for check-ups, you have blood tests performed too. Some markers checked for in blood tests can indicate cancer. You should make it clear to your doctor what you want to be checked for so that they can perform the necessary checks. If you go in for a physical check-up, then they might not go straight for your breasts and check them unless you ask them to.

Breast swelling

If you notice that your breasts are swollen, then this could be because of breast cancer. However, breast swelling can also be a symptom of many other conditions, some of which are not at all harmful. Breast swelling is a very common sign of breast cancer, however, along with lumps. They are not mutually exclusive symptoms, though. It is possible to have a lump and no swelling, or alternatively, swelling and no lump. If you do notice swelling, it’s a very good idea to go in and see your doctor right away.

Skin dimpling

Skin dimpling (so that your skin takes on the appearance of an orange peel), is another warning sign of breast cancer. However, it can also be caused by other things, such as dry skin and eczema. If you notice skin dimpling and it persists, then it’s a good idea to go to your usual physician. Many doctor appointments are taking place online or over the phone now, because of COVID-19. This is a symptom that can be photographed. If your doctor asks for a telephone appointment, then make sure that you mention that you have photographed your dimpled skin and send it to them.

Breast pain

Breast pain can be caused by a number of things. Rarely, it is a symptom of breast cancer. If you experience prolonged periods of breast pain and can’t identify its cause, then it’s a good idea to visit your physician. Some other causes of breast pain could be that they are too large, that you aren’t wearing a supportive bra, and that you participate in kinds of sports that result in you hitting them. Breast pain can also be caused by one’s period or pregnancy.

Nipple retraction

Nipple retraction is a symptom that’s not associated with many other diseases, but that isn’t always caused by breast cancer. If you notice nipple retraction, then you must go and see your doctor. Nipple retraction is when your nipple turns inward, going into your breast, rather than out. If nipple retraction is accompanied by any of the other symptoms listed here, then you should make a priority appointment with your doctor. They will likely book you in for scans, after checking you out and performing a physical examination.

Flaking nipple

Flaking nipple skin is most commonly caused by dry skin or eczema. If you suffer from dry skin and have been experiencing this, then that’s the most likely cause. If you experience nipple flaking in addition to skin dimpling, then again, it’s highly likely both are because of dry skin, but you still need to check them out. Getting your breast-related problems checked out should be a priority so that you can rule out breast cancer or any other harmful diseases. If the skin around your nipple is flaking, painful and bloody, then a doctor’s appointment should be made a priority. Early identification of cancer can make it easy to treat. It is also a good idea to take supplements, as a preventative measure. Some supplements used to treat health problems in humans can also be used in pets; that’s how effective they are.

Nipple discharge

Nipple discharge that’s not breast milk should also be investigated. There aren’t many diseases other than breast cancer that can cause this, although there are some. Excessive breast stimulation, pituitary gland disorders, and medication side effects can all cause nipple discharge. Sometimes, your breast can discharge actual milk, even if you aren’t pregnant. The causes of this are unknown and are sometimes completely unconnected to breast cancer.

Feeling lumps

In addition to having routine check-ups performed by your physician, you must check yourself. It’s not uncommon for women to find lumps when they are investigating their breasts, though they are usually nothing and aren’t of concern. It is still important to get any lump that you find checked out. This is just so that you can rule out cancer. More often than not, breast lumps turn out to be slightly enlarged lymph nodes, which have increased in size (and stayed large) due to previous infections. Lumps in the breast can also be caused by cysts, which are also usually harmless.

You must check your breasts regularly. It’s not just women that need to check themselves for breast cancer though, because men, in rare cases, can get it too. The symptoms of breast cancer in men are largely the same as they are in women.

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