Think Pink: Do You Know The Top 7 Warning Signs For Breast Cancer?

This year alone, more than 230,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and another 57,000 will discover they have cancer in the ducts surrounding the breast. Approximately 39,500 women will die from this disease in 2011–the second leading cause of cancerous deaths behind lung cancer. In order to reduce that number, it’s important to recognize the top seven warning signs for breast cancer:

According to the American Cancer Society, the most common symptom is a new lump or mass on or around the breast, including the armpit. One that is painless, hard and has irregular edges is more likely to be cancerous, although breast cancer can also be tender, soft or rounded, they say. Other possible signs of breast cancer include:

Swelling. This could include an isolated area or the entire breast, even if no distinct lump is felt. The swelling could also include redness or warmth.

Skin irritation or dimpling. Any changes to your skin should be noted.

Breast or nipple pain. Be aware of any sudden pain in one spot that doesn’t go away.

Nipple retraction (turning inward). Look at your breasts daily and pay attention to any changes in the nipple.

Redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin. Notice any changes to the skin of the breast and the surrounding area.

A nipple discharge other than breast milk. Unexplained discharge from your nipples should be reported immediately.

In addition, many women have breasts that are just naturally lumpy, and for some women, this is more pronounced than for others. The ACS says if this lumpiness can be felt throughout the breast and feels like your other breast, it is probably nothing to worry about. However, lumps that feel harder or different from the rest of the breast or any changes are a cause for concern. It is recommended that you see your doctor if you find a new lump or changes. Also, swollen lymph nodes should be reported.

The biggest thing to remember is to check your breasts daily, know what they look like and feel like, and don’t rely solely on a mammogram to detect cancer.

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