“Having had cancer, one important thing to know is you’re still the same person at the end. You’re stripped down to near zero. But most people come out the other end feeling more like themselves than ever.” — Kylie Minogue.

Early breast cancer detection optimizes the odds of survival. While regular screening tests for breast cancer are important, mammograms do not find every breast cancer.

It can be helpful for you to know the normal look and feel of your breasts. If changes occur, you may more easily spot them.

Let’s get right to my top 8 symptoms:

1. A new lump

A new lump is the most common symptom of breast cancer. While a painless, firm mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, breast cancers can also be soft, round, or associated with discomfort or pain.

2. Swelling (with or without a lump)

Some individuals with cancer experience swelling or all or part of their breast.

3. Skin dimpling

Breast cancer is sometimes associated with dimpling. Uncommonly, the skin may take on the appearance of an orange peel, a condition known as peau d’orange.

4. Pain

Breast or nipple pain can be a symptom of breast cancer.

5. Nipple retraction

The nipple may turn inward in some cases of breast cancer.

6. Skin that is red, dry, flaking, thick, or itchy

Sometimes, the skin of the breast or nipple can change, reflecting cancer.

7. Nipple discharge

A nipple discharge (not breast milk) warrants a discussion with a healthcare provider.

8. Swollen nodes

If the lymph nodes in your underarm (axilla) or near the collarbone are larger than normal, this can sometimes be a sign of the regional spread of breast cancer. This symptom may or may not be associated with changes in the breast.

Please remember that non-cancerous (benign) conditions may cause these symptoms. Nevertheless, if you have any concerning symptoms, please get in touch with an experienced healthcare professional for an evaluation.

Finally, watching for symptoms does not substitute for appropriate screening. Mammograms can often detect breast cancer before any symptoms emerge.

Thank you for joining me in this brief look at breast cancer symptoms. It is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

The post Breast Cancer — Do You Know These 8 Symptoms? appeared first on Medika Life.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women worldwide. While more commonly associated with women, it can also affect men, given the presence of breast tissue in both sexes. Diagnosis rates vary, but it is something to which both biological sexes are potentially vulnerable. It is imperative, therefore, that everyone understands how to conduct regular self-checks to help increase the detection of potential concerns. Early detection of cancer can help increase options for treatment, and subsequently improve long-term survival rates.

Conducting self-checks for breast cancer is important for everyone. Self-checks for women are recommended, in addition to regular screening. Great resources from the CDC help to explain breast cancer in men, and symptoms to look out for.

Early detection can be enhanced via conducting regular self-checks, as well as regular examinations by a medical professional. The frequency of recommended checkups may vary from person to person, based upon a number of factors. These include personal and family history of cancer, genetic predisposition, and other considerations. For example, for those persons who are known to have BRCA gene variants, it is often recommended that they conduct more frequent checkups to monitor breast, ovarian, and other health.

Although breast cancer awareness month only comes one month a year, its mission is one worth carrying out year-round. Raising awareness — to help improve detection, increase access to treatment, to improve support for patients and caregivers — each of these initiatives requires consistent attention.

The post The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness appeared first on Medika Life.