11 Sneaky Signs of Breast Cancer
It's not just about checking for lumps
Breast cancer can sneak up on you before you have any sort of clue as to what's going on. In part, that's because most women are on the lookout for a lump in their breasts — and not for other common indicators. That's a mistake, because while a lump is the most recognized symptom of this dreaded disease, it's by no means the only one. Different kinds of cancer produce different symptoms, and many cancers produce no lumps at all.
If you have nipple tenderness or discharge.
Are your nipples slightly sore or somewhat painful to touch? Are they discharging fluid that is not breast milk?
If you have a change in skin texture or enlargement of skin pores.
Some describe cancerous breast skin taking on the texture of an orange peel .
If you have a sore that does not heal.
Though you apply ointment or antibiotics, does the sore persist?
If you have a cough or hoarseness that doesn't go away.
Did the cough come out of nowhere (so is unrelated to recovery from a cold or the flu) and is just hanging on?
If you have changes in your bladder or bowels.
Have your bowel movements gotten irregular? Are you suffering from diarrhea or constipation for no apparent reason?
If you have a loss of energy.
Are you feeling very weak or tired, no matter how much sleep you're getting?
If you have noticed significant weight changes.
Have you gained or lost a noticeable amount of weight for no reason?
If you have a lump in your armpit.
Have you discovered a lump in your armpit, rather than your breast? Breast tissue extends as far as the armpits; cancerous lumps won't necessarily be restricted to the breast.
If you've noticed your breasts have become irregular in size.
Has one breast gotten noticeably larger than the other?
If you have persistant itching
Itchiness that won't go away could point to fluid build-up, poor lymph function, or your body trying to create new blood vessels for breast tumors, warns BreastCancer.org.
If you have upper back pain
Are you suffering from back pain that doesn't ease up with stretching, chiropractic treatment, or rest? Breast cancer can cause back pain when tumors grow and push on nerves and ligaments, or when the cancer metastasizes, becoming bone cancer.
When Should You Make An Appointment to See Your Doctor?
You'll be more likely to know if these symptoms could suggest a problem if you're actually familiar with what your breasts usually look and feel like, so don't be shy. Inspect your breasts regularly; a few days after your period if you still have one, or around the same day of every month if you don't. During your monthly self-exam, look at your nipples and breast skin, and gently squeeze your breasts and the tissue around the breast for lumps. About 20% of the time, breast cancers are found by physical examination rather than by mammography, reports BreastCancer.org, so don't overlook this important self-care tool. And remember to examine the area of your armpit as well. Breastcancer.org recommends checking from your collarbone to the top of your abdomen, and from your armpit to your cleavage. Here's how to do a thorough breast exam on yourself.
Speaking of mammography, follow your doctor's recommendations on how often to get a mammogram. This technology can be essential in detecting cancers that both do and don't produce lumps.
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