Breast Cancer Signs: Monitoring Oneself Is Important
Every woman needs to be knowledgeable about at least the more common breast cancer signs so that they can be monitoring themselves closely. Since this disease can strike women from young to old, no one is immune from learning the basic facts. However, if a woman does notice a potential symptom, she should not panic or be unduly alarmed. Instead, simply promptly call your primary care physician to make an appointment to discuss your findings. Only a licensed professional can make the final scientific determination and set your fears to rest.
The first of breast cancer signs is usually a lump. This lump will feel different than the tissue that surrounds it. Because this is the first of the breast cancer signs it's important to get in the habit of doing a regular self exam. This can go a long way to early detection. The earlier it is detected the higher your chances of beating this terrible disease.
There are several other breast cancer signs to be aware of, other than a lump. If your breast changes size or shape this is something to take note of and inform your doctor of right away. You might also have some dimpling of the skin on your breast. If your nipples become inverted or you have discharge from a single nipple, these are other things you should keep your doctor informed of.
Paget's disease of the breast is a disease that can sometimes indicate breast cancer. It causes skin changes in the breast such as redness and flakes on the nipple of the breast that is affected. As it advances you might also experience symptoms like itchy skin on the breast, more sensitivity than usual, burning and pain. As always, it is important to let your doctor know if you think you might suffer from this disease.
Sometimes there are other symptoms that can tell you about cancer. a very rapid weight loss for which there is no reason, is sometimes a sign of breast cancer. Fever and chills without any apparent cause are also its symptoms. Bone or pain in the joints, jaundice and different neurological symptoms are also sometimes signs of breast cancer.So you have to keep a watch at these factors.
You must remember that most symptoms that coincide with breast cancer don't turn out to really be breat cancer. Although you have to take your symptoms seriously, you should not panic. What you need to do is to see your doctor, give him or her the chance to evaluate your symptoms, find out exactly what is causing your symptoms. All you have to do is get yourself checked out.
Breast cancer can strike at any age. Therefore, knowing the breast cancer signs and symptoms is very important, in addition to the actions you should take to catch cancer early in its course. Only your doctor can determine for certain whether any signs or symptoms you are experiencing are being caused by cancer. It is imperative to contact your physician immediately in the event you discover any of these signs. One of the best factors in beating breast cancer is early detection. One of the best methods of detection is the monthly self exam.
Published August 30th, 2008
