Without early detection, breast cancer can hit fast and leave a path of devastation. Breast cancer awareness means learning what to look for and how to check for early symptoms.
We most commonly hear about women finding lumps in their breast through self examination or routine screenings like mammograms, but what are the other early signs of breast cancer? Knowing could save lives. Awareness is key, and Bellabeat is here to spread it.
If you’re a woman under the age of 40 or 50, it’s likely you haven’t taken your first mammogram, which makes it even more crucial for you to know the early symptoms of breast cancer.
Symptoms may vary from woman to woman, but if you notice any of the following 5 issues with your breasts, you may want to consult a medical professional:
A painless lump in the breast which may appear as a thickening in the breast tissue that feels different from the surrounding area. Breast lumps are sometimes detectable by self-examination, but tumors may be so small in the early stages that they are undetectable without consulting a medical professional.
Getting to know your body is key to early detection. Check yourself out, get naked and stand in the mirror, observe your glorius body and beautiful boobies. Look for changes like swelling, new dimpling, or increase in size and shape of the breast(s.)
Women may experience nipple discharge as a reaction to birth control pills, pregnancy or even an infection. Identifying qualities of the discharge (like color and texture) is important when looking for early signs of breast cancer.
Contact a medical professional if your discharge is other than breast milk especially if it’s only coming from one breast.
Check your nipples for tenderness and changes in size. If the nipple is sinking inward (and it usually doesn’t) This may be an early sign of breast cancer.
The pigmented area of skin surrounding the nipple is called the areola. Check for changes in the texture of the nipple and areola skin. Look out for redness or pitting. If your nipple suddenly begins to feel like the skin of an orange, this may be a sign to contact a medical professional for an exam.
These are some of the most common early signs of breast cancer, other signs may include itching and irritation, changes in touch (hardness or warmth), and change in color.
Feeling anxious after reading this? Keep in mind that other conditions may cause changes in your breasts. Eczema can change the skin texture and there are several other unrelated illnesses and infections that can cause these same symptoms. Keep calm and talk to your doctor.
Bellabeat is dedicated to women’s wellness. Wellness means early awareness and knowing your body.
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